Housing Cooperatives in Switzerland: Types and Which One Suits You Best?
April 21, 2025, 2:22 p.m.
Finding affordable and long-term housing in Switzerland is not always easy. Especially in large cities like Zurich, Basel or Geneva , apartment hunting can often be challenging. Housing cooperatives offer an attractive alternative to the private rental market. But not all cooperatives are the same. What types exist, and how do you find the right one for you?
In this article, we clearly explain what distinguishes various types of cooperatives, who they best serve, and how you can easily find the right cooperative for you.
1. Family Cooperatives: Ideal Housing for All Ages
Family-oriented housing cooperatives focus on families' needs, including spacious apartments, common rooms, playgrounds, and family-friendly infrastructure. Activities and community events are often organized to foster interaction between families.
Ideal for:
- Families with young or school-aged children
- Couples planning to have children
- People who value community and social exchange
Examples in Zurich:
2. Senior Cooperatives: Comfortable Living in Old Age
Senior cooperatives target older individuals who want to maintain independence while enjoying community living. They provide barrier-free apartments, care and assistance services, and a strong network for mutual support.
Ideal for:
- Seniors wishing to live independently
- Older adults who value community and mutual support
- People requiring barrier-free apartments
Examples in Zurich:
3. Sustainable Cooperatives: Ecological Living for a Better Future
Sustainable housing cooperatives emphasize environmentally conscious living.
Ideal for:
- People with strong environmental awareness
- Those looking to live in forward-thinking housing
- Individuals and families actively contributing to sustainability
Examples in Zurich:
4. Multi-Generational Cooperatives: Community Across Generations
Multi-generational cooperatives unite different age groups and encourage mutual exchange.
Ideal for:
- People wishing to live in multi-generational communities
- Families, seniors, and singles who value diversity and interaction
Examples in Zurich:
5. Traditional and Large Housing Cooperatives
These cooperatives offer diverse housing options and comprehensive infrastructure.
Ideal for:
- People looking for long-term housing security
- Individuals valuing variety and stability
Examples in Zurich:
Regional Trends and Differences in Switzerland
Zurich:
- Demand for sustainable and communal housing is growing strongly.
- More and more innovative projects combine ecological sustainability and generational diversity.
Basel:
- Focus on urban projects with strong community structures and integrative concepts.
Geneva and Romandy:
- Smaller cooperatives, however, growing interest in ecological and communal forms of housing.
How do I find the right cooperative?
The search for the right cooperative can be time-consuming. Laos.io helps you make your search significantly easier and more efficient:
- Central Overview: Access to current, comprehensive, and clearly presented housing listings.
- Individual Filters: Find cooperatives matching your needs (e.g., family-friendly, senior-friendly, sustainable).
- Notifications: Get informed in real-time as soon as new suitable apartments become available.
- AI-Powered Application Assistance: Create tailored cover letters that increase your chances.
Our tips for a successful search:
- Think about your needs and preferences.
- Use the specialized search and filter functions of Laos.io to quickly identify suitable housing offers.
- Apply early and be well-prepared – use the AI cover letter generator to boost your chances of success.