The catalyst is the planned revaluation of the city’s real estate holdings in its financial assets in January 2027. Due to rising land and real estate prices, the city expects a revaluation gain of approximately 2.5 billion Swiss francs.
However, this is purely a paper gain. The revaluation will result in neither additional revenue nor increased liquidity. The actual amount will not be determined until spring 2027.
Three Measures Planned
With an extraordinary housing package, the City Council aims to leverage the financial opportunities available for nonprofit housing construction.
The plan calls for an additional contribution of 750 million Swiss francs to the housing fund. Together with funds already budgeted, this would make 800 million Swiss francs available for investment grants.
An additional 1.75 billion Swiss francs is earmarked as a framework credit to accelerate the transfer of city-owned properties into the non-profit housing sector. In addition, building rights are to be granted more easily under preferential terms.
Opportunities for Non-Profit Developers
For housing cooperatives and nonprofit developers, this could open up new financing opportunities and better access to suitable land.
The city is thus pursuing its long-term goal of increasing the share of non-profit housing to one-third by 2050.
However, the planned measures have yet to be approved at the political level. The key factors will be how quickly the proposed instruments are implemented and whether they will not only secure existing housing but also enable additional housing construction projects.
