What is a cooperative flat?
A rental flat owned by a non-profit housing cooperative. The rent is a cost rent (no profit), and tenants are usually members with share certificates and voting rights.
How much cheaper are cooperative flats?
Depending on location and year of construction, they are well below comparable market rents: in the city of Zürich often by around a quarter or more. New builds cost more than older estates, but are usually still cheaper than the market.
Which flats does Genossenschaftsatlas show?
Only flats from verified non-profit housing providers: cooperatives and foundations listed in the member directories of the regional associations of Housing Cooperatives Switzerland, plus city-owned flats. Commercial landlords are filtered out.
How often do you search?
Our scanner checks Flatfox and the cooperatives' letting pages continuously: a search run every 15 minutes across Switzerland (gently, using conditional requests). The time of the last scan is shown at the bottom of every page.
What is free and what does it cost?
Free: directory, cooperative profiles, guides, 1 listing in full, plus status, how to sign up and links for the largest cooperative with an open waitlist. Basis (CHF 4.95 per month or CHF 49.50 per year) shows all listings with details and the application link. The hourly alert is included. For CHF 2.50/mo (or CHF 25/year) you get the instant alert: an email right after every search run.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes. Your subscription runs until the end of the paid period and then no longer renews.
Do I have to become a member to apply?
At most cooperatives you only become a member when you sign the tenancy agreement. Some require membership before you apply or give members priority: this is shown in the cooperative's profile.
What is share capital?
A capital stake in the cooperative, typically from a few thousand up to around 30'000 francs per flat. It is repaid when you move out.
Are there still open waitlists in Zürich?
Yes, a few. The Waitlists page shows where you can currently sign up or fill in an interest form.
Do I apply through Genossenschaftsatlas?
No. You always apply directly to the cooperative or via its listing. We send you to the original listing.