Zurich's Cooperative Housing: Major Cooperatives, Tips for Finding an Apartment, and Market Overview

April 21, 2025, 2:11 p.m.

Overview: Cooperative Housing Market in Zurich

In Zurich, non-profit housing construction by housing cooperatives plays a central role in providing affordable living space. Over 18% of Zurich households – that's around 35,000 out of a total of 195,000 households – already live in cooperative apartments. A few years ago, the City of Zurich even set the goal of making one-third of all apartments available long-term at favorable conditions (through cooperatives and municipal housing developers).

Cooperatives differ from private landlords primarily through the cost-rent principle: Rents primarily cover costs and do not include a profit margin. Therefore, rents are on average 20–40% below market level. This eases the residents' budgets and also reduces the pressure on social welfare funds. Furthermore, cooperatives are committed to the common good and remove their building land from speculation.

With around 70,000 cooperative apartments in the Canton of Zurich, 261 non-profit developers (cooperatives, foundations, etc.) contribute significantly to urban development. They focus on long-term affordable rents, sustainable construction methods, and socially mixed neighborhoods. Often, they set architectural standards and integrate common rooms, commercial spaces, daycare places (Kita spots), or gardens into their developments (Siedlungen). Non-profit housing projects also feature a lower living area per person (avg. 36 m² instead of 55 m²) and thus promote resource-saving, communal living.

Despite expansion, the housing market remains highly competitive. Cooperative apartments are highly sought after, and turnover (fluctuation) is low – depending on the cooperative, only 2–10% of apartments change tenants each year. Consequently, waiting times are long: Anyone looking for such an apartment needs patience. To achieve the city's one-third goal, many new projects continue to be realized, but building land in Zurich is scarce and approval processes take time. Therefore, the city is also involved with its own municipal apartments (over 10,000 apartments with rent control and income limits) and supports cooperatives, for example, by granting land under building rights (Baurecht).

The Largest Housing Cooperatives in Zurich

Zurich has over 100 housing cooperatives of varying sizes. Below, we introduce the most important cooperatives and their special features – from long-established large cooperatives to innovative new construction projects. The overview includes name, founding year, housing stock, distribution, and key characteristics:

ABZ – General Building Cooperative Zurich

ABZ was founded in 1916 and is by far the largest housing cooperative in Switzerland today. Over 5,000 apartments in 58 developments belong to ABZ, spread across the city and the greater Zurich area. Around 12,500 people find a home here. ABZ is open to everyone – one can become a member regardless of income or profession, although only tenants are members* (meaning you join the cooperative when you receive an apartment). As a cooperative, ABZ values community living and sustainable practices: the focus is on people, not profit. Historically, ABZ has built many larger developments – on average, over 200 people live per development, which is very high compared to smaller cooperatives. The portfolio ranges from older buildings (some 100 years old) to state-of-the-art new construction projects. ABZ is currently expanding, e.g., with the Koch-Quartier (Albisrieden) and was also involved in the innovative mixed-use Glattpark development.

Application & Waiting Time: Available ABZ apartments are advertised on the ABZ website. Demand is enormous – an advertisement often receives over 200 applications. Internal moves have priority, so external applicants need patience (e.g., in 2020, only 37 apartments could be allocated to new members).

Tip: Interested parties can subscribe to the ABZ newsletter for available apartments to avoid missing any opportunities, or use our search alerts for quick notifications when apartments become available.

ASIG – The Second Largest Housing Cooperative

The ASIG Housing Cooperative (founded 1943) manages around 2,800 apartments in the city of Zurich and seven surrounding municipalities. This makes it the second largest cooperative in Zurich and even in all of Switzerland. ASIG is politically and confessionally independent and originally stood for workers' settlements, but is now open to everyone. In 12 developments in various city districts (and 8 more developments in the surrounding area), it offers apartments for different needs. Its social commitment is particularly noteworthy: ASIG provides social counseling for tenants, advises on housing in old age, and offers a deposit savings account (savings accounts for cooperative members). The cooperative ensures regular maintenance and has implemented several new construction projects in recent years (e.g., the Huebwis development in Dübendorf).

Application: ASIG advertises available apartments on its own website; membership is only required upon signing the contract (no prior joining procedure). Waiting times can vary depending on the apartment size – as a very large cooperative, ASIG has a large stock on the one hand, but also correspondingly many internal applications on the other.

FGZ – Family Home Cooperative Zurich (Friesenberg Garden City)

The FGZ (founded 1945) is deeply rooted in the Friesenberg neighborhood of Zurich. With 2,291 apartments, it is one of the largest and oldest cooperatives in Switzerland. Its special feature: Almost all apartments are located on the Friesenberg, forming their own garden city development that shapes the cityscape. FGZ was established to offer good housing to families with limited financial means – even today, its portfolio includes many terraced single-family houses with gardens and family-friendly apartments (1–6½ rooms). In the car-free inner area of the development, there are playgrounds and green spaces, creating an almost village-like character. FGZ focuses on households with children but also offers concepts for the time "after the children" to enable lifelong living within the cooperative.

Application: FGZ manages its rentals via an online portal (where you can register and apply for available properties). For many decades, FGZ maintained a waiting list; however, available apartments are now published online (mostly in Friesenberg and rarely in the Manessehof near the city center). Those aspiring to an FGZ apartment should ideally have a connection to neighborhood life – the bond among cooperative members in Friesenberg is strong, with features like a neighborhood shop, local festivals, and a lively community.

BG Zurlinden – Zurlinden Building Cooperative

The Zurlinden Building Cooperative (BGZ) has existed since 1923 and currently has over 2,100 apartments in Zurich and the surrounding area. It originated in the working-class district of Aussersihl; today, its developments are mainly located in Zurich-Altstetten, Albisrieden, Höngg, and neighboring municipalities. BGZ is traditionally focused on affordable housing for families and workers. Many of the properties date from the 1940s–1960s (simple apartment blocks) but have been continuously renovated. Some newer developments have been added, e.g., in Schlieren.

Notably, BG Zurlinden is one of the few large cooperatives that still maintains a waiting list. Interested parties can register and, with enough perseverance, will be considered in order when something becomes available. However, it can take many years to get an apartment this way. Important: You must regularly renew your waiting list entry (usually annually), otherwise you will be removed. Alternatively, BGZ occasionally advertises available apartments online or via platforms.

Concept & Community: BG Zurlinden offers classic, middle-class rental apartments with stable rents. Community facilities are rather minimal (playgrounds, simple common rooms). However, it scores points with social sustainability – according to its motto "2162 times sustainable and social," values like neighborly help and consideration are emphasized.

GEWOBAG – Trade Union Housing and Building Cooperative

GEWOBAG was founded in 1943 by the trade union federation and today counts around 2,050 apartments in and around Zurich. Its developments are scattered throughout the city: e.g., in Albisrieden, Altstetten, Höngg, Schwamendingen, Seebach, but also in places like Uster, Kloten, or Wettswil. GEWOBAG continues to pursue the idea of solidarity and intergenerational living. Thus, young and old, singles and families mix in their developments. GEWOBAG no longer builds separate senior apartments – instead, mixed houses are realized where all age groups can live well. As a special feature, GEWOBAG operates its own neighborhood bakeries/cafés in some developments (in Albisrieden, Höngg, and Schwamendingen) as meeting points. Community activities such as development festivals, excursions, or even a cooperative choir are also encouraged. In one development, GEWOBAG even produces wine from a small vineyard on the Höngger Hang.

Application: GEWOBAG usually advertises available apartments on Homegate or its own website. Membership is not required before renting; however, tenants become cooperative members. Waiting times depend heavily on the size – smaller apartments are relatively rare.

Kraftwerk1 – A New Kind of Building and Housing Cooperative

Kraftwerk1 is a relatively young cooperative that emerged in 1996 from the alternative housing scene. With currently approx. 232 apartments at three locations, Kraftwerk1 is smaller than traditional cooperatives but pioneering in concept and architecture. Kraftwerk1 became known for its first development in the Hardturm area (Zurich West), occupied in 2001: a colorful large shared living space (Gross-WG) with 81 apartments, common rooms, commercial spaces, and innovative living forms (such as cluster apartments, live-work studios, communal roof terraces). Later, a small development in Höngg (Heizenholz) with 26 apartments and the large Zwicky-Süd project in Dübendorf with 125 apartments followed. Kraftwerk1 stands for ecological and social experimentation: consistent 2000-Watt Society standards, car-free living (underground parking spaces only by exception), communally used spaces (guest rooms, workshops, roof gardens), diversity in the resident population, and grassroots democratic decision-making processes. The developments combine living, working, culture, and services in one neighborhood – thus, a vibrant piece of the city emerged around the Hardturm area.

Application: Kraftwerk1 accepts interested parties as members even if they do not yet have an apartment – you can become a cooperative member and then apply internally for apartments as they become available. Direct external applications for individual apartments are rather uncommon; instead of a waiting list, there is an application process for new apartments where the applicants' commitment sometimes plays a role. Anyone wanting to become part of Kraftwerk1 should identify with its values (community, sustainability, equality) – and ideally convey this in the application letter. Occasionally, they publish available apartments on their website under "Freie Objekte" (Available Properties). As Kraftwerk1 is very popular, it is worthwhile becoming a member early and using internal channels.

mehr als wohnen – The Hunziker Area and More

The cooperative mehr als wohnen (more than housing) was jointly founded in 2007 by 35 Zurich cooperatives on the occasion of "100 Years of Housing Cooperatives". Its goal: to build a model neighborhood of the future. This was realized on the former Hunziker site in Zurich-Leutschenbach (North Zurich) and completed in 2015. Today, around 1,200 people live there in a neighborhood with 13 buildings and 370 apartments. The Hunziker Area development is impressive for its diversity and innovation: there are apartments for all life situations (from 1-room studios to large 10-room cluster apartments), 20% of the apartments are subsidized for households at subsistence level, and another 10% are allocated to social institutions (e.g., for people with disabilities, single parents, refugees). The entire development is designed according to the 2000-Watt Society principles – Minergie-P standard, large photovoltaic systems (covering ~45% of electricity needs themselves), centrally shared freezers and laundry rooms (instead of individual appliances), car-free (only car-sharing and bicycles planned), and community-oriented. Ten non-commercial common rooms are open to everyone (for co-working, yoga, crafts, swap shops, etc.). Many of these are publicly accessible and organized by the residents themselves. The Hunziker Area has received numerous awards for sustainability and architecture. mehr als wohnen sees itself as an innovation laboratory for new housing construction – knowledge and experiences are documented and shared.

Application: When first occupied, apartments were partly allocated by lottery, partly specifically assigned (ensuring a good mix). Currently, vacant apartments are usually advertised online (on the cooperative's website and sometimes platforms). Since mehr als wohnen is supported by many cooperatives, there is no external waiting list for non-members – interested persons initially had to be members of one of the supporting cooperatives. For future projects (e.g., the new "nordnordost" project on Thurgauerstrasse, together with ABZ, Wogeno, and others), it is worth following the cooperative's announcements.

Kalkbreite – Urban Cooperative Projects

The Kalkbreite cooperative made a name for itself with two outstanding urban housing projects: the Kalkbreite development (opened 2014) and the Zollhaus near Zurich main station (opened 2020). In the Kalkbreite in Wiedikon, 91 apartments were created above the tram depot, along with cultural, commercial, and gastronomy spaces. The architecture is award-winning – a terraced building complex with a green public roof courtyard. Innovative living forms (various cluster apartments, shared flats, family apartments) and communal facilities (guest rooms, roof gardens, event spaces, cinema*) characterize Kalkbreite. The project is largely car-free (max. 4 private cars are allowed in the entire development) and consistently pursues ecological goals. The second development, the Zollhaus in the Industriequartier/Langstrassenquartier, comprises 56 apartments, including cooperative studios and socially mixed living forms (one house community is supervised by the social enterprise Urban Living, for example). Both projects combine living, working, and urban life in a small space.

Membership & Application: At Kalkbreite, you must already be a cooperative member to apply for apartments. There is a sophisticated admission process: interested parties first purchase a share certificate (CHF 3,000) and become members. Available apartments are advertised internally; with many applications, the decision is often made by lottery. However, the cooperative also ensures that a harmonious house community is formed – for example, during the initial occupancy, efforts were made to create a good social structure. It is difficult for outsiders without membership to directly obtain a Kalkbreite apartment. Therefore: become a member early (if the admission stop is lifted) and actively follow the cooperative.

(*) Fun Fact: The Kalkbreite development houses the Kino Houdini cinema, which is also operated by the cooperative, making it one of the few cooperative cinemas in Switzerland.

Wogeno Zurich – Self-Managed Houses

Wogeno Zurich is a slightly different cooperative: It sees itself as an association of residents for the self-managed administration of living space. Founded in 1981 (inspired by similar movements in Germany), Wogeno today has 79 properties with 571 apartments – mostly smaller multi-family houses scattered across the city. Instead of building large developments, Wogeno buys existing houses or realizes smaller new buildings to remove them from the market. Many Wogeno houses have an idyllic, individual character – from the old villa in Wiedikon to the multi-generational house in Höngg to the new building with a community garden in Altstetten. Dense construction and communal living are core concerns; Wogeno deliberately avoids single-family houses. In Wogeno houses, residents organize many things themselves (cleaning schedules, garden maintenance, minor repairs), supported by a small office.

Membership: To move into a Wogeno apartment, you must be a member of the cooperative. The share certificate costs CHF 3,000, is non-interest bearing, and refunded upon withdrawal. Important: You can only rent apartments if you are already a member (applications from non-members are not possible). Vacant apartments are advertised internally or published on the bulletin board; interested members apply, and the respective house community often co-decides who moves in. This creates a high level of identification among residents with "their" house.

Waiting Time: Since Wogeno continuously buys or builds new houses ("We buy houses!" is a motto), apartments become available regularly. Nevertheless, new members often have to wait a long time and be flexible regarding location and apartment layout – however, there are no classic waiting lists; initiative is required. Wogeno targets people who want to live in a community-oriented way and are willing to actively participate. For many, it is an attractive alternative to anonymous rental apartments: you know your neighbors, meet in self-organized house meetings, and live a piece of utopia in everyday life.

Tips for Finding Cooperative Housing

The search for a cooperative apartment is different from the usual apartment hunt – it requires commitment, planning, and patience. Here are the most important tips to improve your chances:

• Actively search for listings: Most cooperatives no longer maintain classic waiting lists but publish available apartments online. This means you need to constantly monitor listings and apply quickly as soon as something suitable appears. It's worth checking the websites of major cooperatives several times a week. Even easier: Platforms like laos.io bundle these listings. Laos.io is the largest search engine for available cooperative apartments throughout Switzerland. Here you can filter by location, size, price, and even receive email notifications when new cooperative apartments go online. This service (search subscription) saves a lot of effort, ensuring you don't miss an opportunity.
• Use waiting lists (where they still exist): A handful of cooperatives in the Zurich area still maintain waiting lists – for example, BG Zurlinden, Baugenossenschaft Alpenblick, Rotach, Süd-Ost, and some smaller ones (a current list can be found, e.g., at Wohnbaugenossenschaften Zürich or genossenschaffen.ch). If you are not under time pressure, you should definitely register there. Important: You usually need to renew your entry every 6–12 months (via a short reminder to the cooperative), otherwise you will be removed. Waiting can take years, but eventually, the opportunity arises – and then you usually have a very straightforward takeover (without competitive applications). Waiting lists are particularly suitable for long-term planning – e.g., young parents who will need a larger apartment in a few years can register early.
• Prepare documents in advance: When a listing appears, things often have to move quickly. Therefore, prepare all necessary documents beforehand: current debt collection register extract, proof of income, copies of IDs, and – if required – a completed application form from the cooperative. Some cooperatives have online portals where you create a profile (e.g., FGZ, ABZ). Use checkliststo ensure nothing is forgotten. Having everything ready allows you to apply within hours of publication – increasing your chances.
• Include a cover letter: Even if not explicitly requested – a personal cover letter often makes the difference. In this letter, briefly introduce yourself and explain why you would be a good fit for the house community. Show interest in the cooperative: mention positive aspects of the development if applicable (e.g., community garden, neighborhood events) and how you would like to contribute. It's important to remain authentic – don't write a novel, but concisely explain on one A4 page who you are, what attracts you to the apartment, and how you feel about the community concept. Such a letter can give the cooperative a vivid picture of you and shows that you appreciate the cooperative's values. This helps you stand out from purely formal applications and significantly improves your chances.
• Read criteria carefully: Pay attention to the requirements in each listing. Cooperatives often have occupancy guidelines: e.g., minimum occupancy (no 4-room apartment for 1 person) or income limits for subsidized housing. Some cooperatives prefer, for example, families with children for certain developments, while others allow pets only to a limited extent (e.g., Kalkbreite max. 4 dogs total in the development). So check: Do I meet the criteria? If yes, briefly mention it in the cover letter ("We are a family of 4, thus meeting the occupancy quota, and would appreciate the nearby playground..."). If not, save yourself the trouble and focus on suitable apartments to avoid frustration.
• Don't get discouraged – be strategic: It's normal to receive dozens of rejections. Competition is fierce, often hundreds of applications for one apartment, as mentioned. Stay persistent and use all channels: apply broadly to various cooperatives and projects. Flexibility helps – those willing to accept a different location or a slightly unconventional floor plan often find success faster. Also, consider becoming a member of a cooperative that requires it (e.g., Wogeno, Kalkbreite, Dreieck), provided you genuinely want to live there long-term. The cooperative share (e.g., CHF 3,000) is non-interest bearing but replaces the rental deposit and is refunded later. Often, the lower rent saves you this amount within a few months. So don't be deterred by such deposits, but see it as an investment in affordable housing.
• Network personally: Sometimes it's worthwhile seeking direct contact – for example, at cooperative meetings, open house days, or neighborhood festivals. Some cooperatives (especially smaller ones) appreciate it when interested parties introduce themselves. This is not mandatory, but especially with very community-oriented cooperatives (like Kraftwerk1, Wogeno), early contact or attending information evenings can be helpful to get a feel for the culture and be noticed.

In summary: Perseverance, diligence, and some enthusiasm for the cause are key. Inform yourself thoroughly about the cooperative, tailor your application individually, and use modern tools like laos.io to not miss any chance. This brings affordable and long-term housing within reach!

Further Resources and Information

For those who want to delve deeper into the topic or find current listings, we recommend the following resources:

• Wohnbaugenossenschaften Zürich (Regionalverband): The association (Website: wbg-zh.ch) offers information on political developments, new construction projects, and a list of all cooperatives in the region. Here you can also find statistics and publications related to non-profit housing in Zurich. A look at the "Tips for Apartment Hunting" section on the association's site shows that cooperatives have expanded significantly over the last 20 years, but demand remains high. The events and networking opportunities announced there are also interesting.
• Genossenschafts-Dachverband (Wohnbaugenossenschaften Schweiz): At wbg-schweiz.ch, you can find background information on the history and significance of cooperatives in Switzerland, legal foundations, and contacts for regional associations. For those generally interested, the umbrella association also offers a map and search function for cooperatives throughout Switzerland.
• Städtische Wohnberatung & IZS: The City of Zurich operates an Information Center for Housing (IZS), which also offers advice on finding accommodation. They provide a guide on building cooperatives with explanations ("What is a housing cooperative?") and sometimes contact details. Additionally, the city manages municipal apartments (including subsidized ones), which are advertised via an online portal (vermietungen.stadt-zuerich.ch). Anyone urgently seeking affordable housing should also check this option – however, strict criteria regarding income and room count per person apply there.
• Mieterverband und Beratungstellen: The Zurich Tenants' Association (MV) primarily handles legal issues but also has brochures on affordable housing. In some neighborhoods, there are also housing placement services or projects like "Wohnen für Hilfe" (Housing for Help), which arrange alternative living models – if cooperative housing doesn't work out immediately, such transitional solutions can help.
• Personal Networks: Last but not least – talk to people! Perhaps friends or colleagues know someone living in a cooperative. Sometimes you can learn internally about upcoming vacancies before they are officially advertised. Although cooperative members are usually not allowed to privately assign apartments, a timely tip can prepare you to apply specifically.

Conclusion

Cooperative apartments are a vital pillar for affordable housing in Zurich. The largest cooperatives like ABZ, FGZ, ASIG, GEWOBAG & Co. provide homes for thousands and shape entire neighborhoods – from the urban Kalkbreite area to the green Friesenberg garden city. For apartment seekers, this means: The opportunities are there, you just need to know how to seize them. With the information above, some perseverance, and the right tool at hand (e.g., laos.io), the dream of an affordable, long-term apartment in a community can become a reality. Good luck with your search!