A ‘Third Way’ Between Buying or Renting? Swiss Co-ops Say They’ve Found It.
A ‘Third Way’ Between Buying or Renting? Swiss Co-ops Say They’ve Found It.
This article from The New York Times explores the concept of housing cooperatives in Switzerland as a 'third way' between traditional renting and buying, offering affordable housing without a profit motive. It details how these nonprofit organizations provide cut-price apartments in desirable areas like Lausanne, with residents buying shares for admission and gaining security of tenure without capital gains. The piece highlights examples such as Claude Waelti's long-term affordable tenancy and the community-focused Le Bled co-op, emphasizing their role in combating housing affordability crises, fostering social integration, and incorporating environmental features, often with government support.
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it is appealing to build a community where it is agreed that "landlords" is shared ownernship of and by the tenants. wanting to make a business out of every aspect of our lives has enormous costs and while it might make sense for some markets (fine dining, luxury condos) it would be nice to have options.
for example, how do we live in mixed wealth communities, if profit is the only community driving motive for seeking tenants?
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