2026 Real Estate and Urban Economics Conference

The real estate market plays a central role in modern economies, affecting both households and firms through its influence on wealth, investment, and financial stability. As an asset class, real estate exhibits distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from equities and bonds, including illiquidity, heterogeneity, and strong links to local economic conditions. In recent years, the sector has undergone significant transformations driven by sustainability concerns, demographic changes, and the rise of remote work. These developments are particularly relevant in Switzerland, where property prices have increased substantially over the past decade and concerns about overheating in urban areas have intensified. Despite its importance, there are relatively few academic conferences in Switzerland dedicated specifically to real estate and urban economics, creating a gap in opportunities for scholarly exchange in this field.
The 2026 Real Estate and Urban Economics Conference aims to address this gap by providing a high-level platform for the presentation and discussion of cutting-edge research. The overall objective of the project is to foster the exchange of ideas among researchers working on real estate finance and urban economics, with a particular emphasis on both theoretical and empirical contributions. A specific aim is to promote interaction between senior scholars and early-career researchers, including PhD students, through dedicated sessions and active participation throughout the conference. Another important objective is to ensure a high scientific standard, supported by a program committee composed of leading international experts in real estate, finance, and urban economics, as well as a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh (Columbia University).

The conference will be organized as a two-day academic event hosted at the Università della Svizzera italiana in Lugano. Papers will be selected through a competitive call for submissions and peer review process conducted by the program committee. The format will include paper presentations, formal discussions, and open-floor interactions to encourage in-depth feedback and collaboration. A special session will be dedicated to PhD students, further enhancing the conference’s role in supporting the next generation of researchers.

The expected results of the conference include the dissemination of new research findings, the strengthening of academic networks, and the generation of new collaborations in the field of real estate economics. By bringing together a highly qualified group of participants, the conference is expected to contribute to advancing knowledge on the evolving real estate market and its broader economic implications. Its impact will be particularly relevant for Switzerland, by enhancing the visibility of research on real estate markets and fostering discussion on issues such as housing affordability, market stability, and urban development.