1. Vibrant Street Art Scene: Bratislava has a growing street art scene, with numerous murals and installations scattered throughout the city. These artworks often reflect local culture and social issues, adding a unique flair to urban spaces. 2. Historical Underground Tunnels: Beneath the city, there are remnants of medieval tunnels that were used for various purposes, including storage and escape routes. Some of these tunnels can be explored, revealing a fascinating glimpse into Bratislava's history. 3. Unique Culinary Delights: While Bratislava is known for traditional Slovak dishes, it also boasts a range of unique culinary experiences, such as the local specialty called "bryndzové halušky," a dish made of potato dumplings and sheep cheese, often accompanied by crispy bacon. Additionally, the city has several hidden cafes and bistros that serve innovative fusion cuisine.

The housing market in Bratislava is experiencing significant growth and demand. In 2024, property prices increased by approximately 3%, with the average offer price per square meter for apartments rising by 7.4% in the second quarter compared to the first quarter. The base interest rate dropped to 4.25%, encouraging more property purchases. The city has around 666,000 residents, though official statistics show only about 417,000. The total number of housing units is not explicitly stated in the search results. Regarding ownership, about 90.5% of housing in Slovakia is privately owned, while only 6% is rented (3% municipal, 3% private). The cooperative housing sector has diminished to less than 4%. As of 2025, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Bratislava is €900. In the Old Town, the average monthly rent is €17.30 per square meter. The average gross rental yield in Bratislava is 4.08%. Public and social housing play a minor role in Bratislava's housing market. The city has launched affordable housing projects based on the Housing First approach, providing nine flats to families, the elderly, and formerly homeless individuals. The Municipal Rental Agency acts as an intermediary between landlords and those in need of housing, aiming to reduce barriers to housing affordability.

The city administration of Bratislava is actively addressing housing challenges through several initiatives aimed at increasing affordable and sustainable housing options. The city has set a goal to expand its rental housing stock, which is currently very limited compared to other European capitals. Key programs and activities include: 1. Development of Housing Projects: The city is building new rental apartments on its own land and renovating existing unused buildings to create more affordable housing units. 2. Project of Affordable Housing with Social Support: Launched in 2020, this initiative provides housing and social support to families, the elderly, and formerly homeless individuals using the Housing First approach. 3. Municipal Housing Agency: This pilot project aims to acquire flats from the private sector to provide affordable housing for families and people in difficult housing situations. 4. New Rental Policy: The city has implemented a fair and transparent process for allocating rental flats, categorizing them based on different needs and target groups. 5. Green Initiatives: Bratislava is promoting energy-efficient retrofitting of older buildings and encouraging green architecture in new developments. 6. Cooperation with Developers: The city is introducing new rules for collaboration with developers to create a basis for constructing up to 3,000 new flats, including rental units. These efforts demonstrate Bratislava's commitment to addressing housing affordability while promoting sustainability and social inclusion.

Cooperative housing is re-emerging as a potential solution to address the housing affordability crisis in Bratislava. While the model was popular during the communist era, it largely disappeared after the regime change. Recently, there has been renewed interest in cooperative housing as an alternative to traditional homeownership and rental options. In 2024, YIT Slovakia launched a pilot cooperative housing project in Bratislava called Magnolia 3 in the Nuppu residential complex. The project attracted significant interest, with about 40 members joining the cooperative. The average price for a cooperative apartment was €188,861 including VAT. Following this success, YIT plans to extend cooperative housing to other projects in Bratislava, including the Zwirn residential complex. The city of Bratislava has also taken steps to promote affordable housing options. In 2024, the city launched a rental agency program to increase access to affordable housing. While not specifically focused on cooperatives, this initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to addressing housing challenges. Despite these developments, cooperative housing in Bratislava is still in its early stages. There are no major lighthouse projects specifically dedicated to cooperative housing. However, the growing interest from developers and residents suggests that cooperative housing may play an increasingly important role in Bratislava's housing market in the coming years.