Swiss Housing Co-operatives Offer Solution to Rental Crisis

Innovative housing co-operative models in Lausanne show promise in addressing Switzerland's affordable housing shortage

Housing co-operatives typically offer rents 15% to 20% lower than market prices.
The Plaines du Loup eco-district in Lausanne aims to house 8,000 residents and provide 3,000 jobs by 2034.
Housing co-operatives currently make up only 4% of Switzerland's total housing stock.
Property investment funds often outbid co-operatives by offering two to three times the price for land.

CHF 1,750

Net rent

CHF 650,000

Purchase price

25%

Percentage of units

CHF 300

Share price

"In the open market, we’re often outbid by property investment funds, which offer two to three times more than we can."
— Daniel Brühlart

"Here we’re trying to foster connection, solidarity and a new way of living together."
— Annabel Glauser

Lausanne Constructs a Radical Housing Revolution