Winterthur

Winterthur is facing a pronounced housing crisis characterized by a persistent mismatch between supply and demand for rental properties. The availability of rental housing is extremely tight, with the vacancy rate falling below 1%, which is among the lowest ever recorded in Switzerland. Despite a growing population and sustained high demand—driven by both local residents and newcomers—construction activity and the addition of new housing units have not kept pace. Administrative delays, frequent objections to building permits, and underutilized building land contribute to the insufficient supply of new homes.

Rental and purchase prices continue to climb. In the first quarter of 2025, apartment prices in Winterthur increased by about 1.2%, and the trend of steadily rising rents persists. This situation disproportionately affects renters, who comprise about two-thirds of Winterthur’s households. Particularly impacted are low- and middle-income families, young adults, students, single-parent households, and immigrants, all of whom face intense competition for a shrinking pool of affordable housing. Older residents are also affected: many occupy homes that are too large for their current needs but lack attractive options to downsize within the city. The continuous bottleneck in available rentals and the sustained upward pressure on housing costs underscore the scope and severity of Winterthur’s housing crisis.

The city administration of Winterthur addresses affordable and sustainable housing through several targeted measures and programs. Their housing policy aims to increase the proportion of affordable, energy-efficient rental units, especially for low- and middle-income households, families, and older residents. Recent targets communicated by the city include a commitment to expand both the stock and the share of municipally and cooperatively owned housing, with a focus on projects that combine affordability with high sustainability standards.

Concrete activities include supporting and subsidizing non-profit housing cooperatives, facilitating land allocation at reduced rates for affordable housing projects, and incentivizing energy-efficient renovations of older buildings. The city actively promotes mixed-use urban redevelopment projects, such as the conversion of former industrial sites into new neighborhoods with a significant share of affordable, low-emission housing. Additionally, Winterthur has streamlined planning and building permit processes to accelerate new construction, prioritizing developments that integrate affordable and ecological criteria.

Public communication emphasizes collaboration with housing cooperatives and private sector partners to meet ambitious climate and affordability goals. Recent redevelopment projects in city quarters and the continued expansion of cooperative housing illustrate this practical approach. While new units are being added, challenges persist due to the broader market dynamics and regulatory environment. The city is also participating in cantonal and national programs for energy transition in the housing sector, further aligning local housing initiatives with Switzerland’s sustainability targets.

In Winterthur, the housing market is marked by high demand, limited supply, and rising prices. Around 64% of residents rent their homes, while 36% own property. The rental vacancy rate is below 1%, reflecting tight market conditions.

The median price to buy an apartment is about CHF 13,415 per square meter (roughly EUR 13,835), while the median rental price is estimated at EUR 19–21 per square meter per month for new listings, with continued upward pressure on rents.

Publicly owned housing accounts for a modest share of the market. In Winterthur, public housing is primarily owned by the municipality or non-profit cooperatives, focusing on providing affordable, long-term rental options. Public housing is not strictly the same as social housing: public housing is municipally or cooperatively owned and often targets a wider segment of the population, whereas social housing specifically serves low-income or vulnerable groups and is allocated based on need.

Recently, urban redevelopment projects like the Sulzerareal have increased sustainable and affordable housing opportunities, yet publicly owned and social housing combined still make up a minority of total housing stock. The competition for rentals remains high, with market and regulatory factors limiting new supply.