Bern

Country

Population

133,115

Renting

3 Things...

1. Cultural Heritage: Bern is known for its well-preserved medieval city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's iconic Zytglogge clock tower features an astronomical clock and is a beloved landmark. 2. Bear Park: The city has a unique attraction called the Bear Park, where visitors can see bears in a natural habitat setting. This reflects the city's historical connection to bears, as the animal is part of Bern's name and emblem. 3. Federal City: Bern serves as the de facto capital of Switzerland and is often referred to as the "Federal City." Unlike many capitals, it is not the largest city in the country; Zurich holds that title, making Bern's status as the political center even more intriguing.

Organisations

Wir sind Stadtgarten

Unlisted Orgs

Population (AI)

133,115

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Last edited

Sep 30, 2024 6:49 PM

Category

Local programs

Housing Market

The housing market in Bern, Switzerland, is characterized by a high percentage of renters, with more than half of the population renting their apartments. This trend is driven by the high costs of homeownership, exacerbated by factors such as complex geography, centralization of wealth and business opportunities, and restrictive city planning rules. The city is facing a housing crisis marked by rising rents and a scarcity of affordable housing options. To address this crisis, Bern, like other Swiss cities, has implemented various measures to support affordable housing. These include housing allowances and rent regulations aimed at controlling escalating rents. Additionally, social housing constitutes a significant portion of the housing stock, with efforts to maintain and expand this sector to ensure affordable living options for residents. The city's approach emphasizes the importance of social sustainability and mixed-income housing to avoid the creation of socio-economic ghettos and to foster a more inclusive community.

Further Actors?

Cooperatives

Housing cooperatives in Bern, Switzerland, have played a significant role in addressing housing shortages and providing affordable living spaces. The Railway Construction Cooperative of Bern (EBG), established in 1919, aimed to provide better housing for railway employees and has since become a major player in the non-profit housing sector. The EBG has built various housing complexes and high-rises, making apartments more affordable for workers. Today, around 4-5% of apartments in Switzerland are provided by non-profit developers, with a higher proportion in big cities like Bern. The city of Bern promotes cooperative housing by providing subsidies, cheap loans, and affordable land. Public authorities and the Federal Railways support these projects, enabling cooperatives to build more housing complexes. Despite some criticism for contributing to gentrification, cooperatives remain essential for affordable housing in Bern. There is no specific data on new cooperatives emerging in recent years, but the ongoing support from public authorities indicates continued promotion of cooperative housing projects.