Buying premises: Geneva SMEs seek ownership amid industrial building shortage

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Geneva are increasingly exploring the option of purchasing their own industrial building premises as a strategy to secure a long-term presence amidst a severe shortage of available commercial spaces. This trend reflects a growing desire among businesses to establish firm roots within the canton.

In the Meyrin-Satigny industrial zone, the developer REIS is launching ORIX, a significant project spanning over 17,000 square meters. This development is designed to accommodate artisanal activities, light industrial operations, and administrative functions. Its unique selling proposition lies in its ownership model.

Contrary to many recent industrial property developments in Geneva, which are often established under distinct and permanent rights (DDP), the ORIX project will offer its units for sale as condominiums (propriété par étage - PPE). Each unit will come with an associated share of the land, a model that initiators claim directly addresses a market demand that has long gone unmet in the Geneva area. This approach provides businesses with a pathway to ownership, offering greater stability and investment potential compared to traditional leasing arrangements.