House Prices Reach New Peak
The prices for single-family homes reached a new peak by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Compared to the previous year, the actually paid prices increased by 8.0 percent, while the nationwide growth was 3.5 percent. Also, within the last six months, a high dynamic with a plus of 4.6 percent was observed. The main reason remains the pronounced demand surplus combined with a very limited supply. The stock of single-family homes in the canton has hardly grown in recent years, which means that demand from within the canton, from the rest of Switzerland, as well as from abroad concentrates on the few available properties. In Sarnen, a typical single-family home costs around 1.9 million francs, while in Engelberg, the highest prices are achieved with an average of around 2.0 million francs. Values below 1.5 million francs are currently only observed in the municipality of Lungern.
Above Average Price Growth for Condominiums as Well
Obwalden also records above-average price growth for condominiums. Within a year, prices increased by 5.6 percent, compared to 3.7 percent in the Swiss average. Since 1998, the cantonal price index for condominiums shows a slightly stronger development for the first time than the national comparison value. Residential property under one million francs is practically no longer available in the canton. Only in the municipality of Lungern is the price for a typical condominium currently still just below this threshold. Condominiums in the cantonal capital Sarnen now cost on average around 1.35 million francs.
Global Uncertainties Strengthen the Need for Stability
Increasing global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions further reinforce the need for stability. The Obwalden property market also benefits from this. The Swiss National Bank's zero interest rate policy continues to be supportive. The further development will crucially depend on how resilient the economy and the labour market prove to be against the current turbulences.
Details on the price development of single-family homes and condominiums in the Canton of Obwalden can be found at www.okb.ch/eigenheimindex.
Contact
Jonas von Flüe, Deputy Head of Corporate Communication
Obwaldner Kantonalbank, Im Feld 2, 6060 Sarnen
Telephone 041 666 20 75, jonas.vonfluee@okb.ch