Zurich

1. Cultural Diversity: Zurich is home to over 170 nationalities, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in Switzerland. This multicultural environment influences local cuisine, festivals, and community events, providing a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. 2. Literary Heritage: The city boasts a significant literary heritage, being the birthplace of renowned writers such as James Joyce and Hermann Hesse. Zurich's cafes and parks served as inspiration for their works, and many literary events and festivals are held annually to celebrate this legacy. 3. Innovative Transportation: Zurich is known for its efficient and extensive public transportation system, including trams, trains, and boats. However, what many may not know is that the city has a program encouraging the use of e-bikes, which allows residents and visitors to rent electric bicycles easily, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly travel throughout the city.

Zurich's housing market remains highly competitive due to limited supply and strong demand. In 2024, the city had approximately 236,402 housing units, with rental accommodation dominating the market as around 91% of residents rent their homes, contrasting sharply with low ownership rates. Rental costs are substantial, with the median annual rent at €495 per square meter, while purchasing property is even less accessible. The median price per square meter to buy an apartment in Zurich is €16,670. Housing costs in Zurich are higher than the Swiss national average, partly due to sustained population growth and restricted new construction. Publicly owned housing plays an essential role in mitigating affordability issues, representing about 25% of Zurich’s housing market. Public and social housing differ in Zurich; public housing refers to municipally owned units targeting a broader spectrum of income groups, while social housing is more restricted to individuals with lower incomes. Both types are aimed at countering the city's high housing costs, but public housing also has a more general affordability goal. Overall, Zurich’s housing market faces persistent challenges, including rising prices, limited availability, and a clear divide between renters and owners. This situation is exacerbated by slow residential construction growth and high demand driven by Zurich's position as a major economic hub.

Zurich's city administration is addressing affordable and sustainable housing through targeted goals and programs. The core aim is achieving the "one-third goal," where at least one-third of all housing units are designated as affordable or non-profit by 2050. This involves extensive use of city housing tools and advocating for expanded municipal rights to counteract rising prices and limited supply. Key initiatives include: 1. **Housing Fund (Wohnraumfonds):** Launched in 2025 with a budget of €300 million, this fund supports non-profit housing organizations in acquiring land or buildings. It subsidizes property costs, enabling lower rents despite high market prices. 2. **Affordable Housing Promotion:** Zurich has a long-standing commitment to developing non-profit housing, comprising 25% of the city’s stock. These units are rented at cost price, detached from market fluctuations. 3. **Support for Cantonal Initiatives:** Zurich advocates for regional initiatives like the pre-emption rights for municipalities to purchase land, ensuring it is used for affordable housing. 4. **Encouragement of Cohousing Models:** The city supports shared living projects to combine affordability with sustainable community living. 5. **Sustainability Emphasis:** Efforts include energy-efficient renovations and sustainable urban planning to reduce environmental impacts. Zurich's approach reflects a blend of financial backing, regulatory adaptations, and non-profit partnerships to expand affordable and sustainable housing while addressing the city's pressing housing challenges.

Housing cooperatives play a crucial role in Zurich's competitive housing market by ensuring long-term affordability and community-oriented living. They currently manage over 42,000 apartments in the city, representing a significant non-profit housing sector. Cooperative housing is based on cost-rent pricing, avoiding speculation and offering rents significantly below market rates. These cooperatives are self-governed, giving residents voting rights irrespective of financial status, and promoting social integration and diversity. Zurich supports cooperatives through preferential access to financing and land, allowing them to operate sustainably without direct subsidies. The city actively promotes cooperative housing to achieve its "one-third goal"—having one-third of all housing as non-profit by 2050. Policies include public land leasing tied to architectural competitions and aligning new construction with sustainability and innovative housing models. Zurich also fosters social and environmental quality by encouraging shared spaces and innovative designs. Lighthouse cooperative projects in Zurich include "Kraftwerk1," which pioneers shared and cluster housing models; "Kalkbreite," incorporating residential, cultural, and commercial uses; and "mehr als wohnen," which serves as an experimental hub for sustainable housing. These projects blend affordability with modern architectural concepts and communal living, positioning Zurich as an international model for cooperative housing innovation.