WOGENO Zürich is a non-profit housing cooperative founded in 1981 in Zurich, Switzerland. Its origins trace back to the political movements of the 1980s, emerging as a reaction to rising real estate speculation in the city. From its inception, WOGENO has focused on providing self-managed, affordable housing and commercial spaces in the Zurich area, presenting an alternative to the profit-driven private market.
The cooperative administers 79 buildings across various neighborhoods in Zurich, offering around 571 apartments, according to external data from recent years. Residents are required to take an active role in the operation and management of their homes: each house is organized as an association with responsibility for maintenance, contractual obligations, and the selection of new tenants. This self-administration distinguishes WOGENO from more traditional cooperatives.
WOGENO finances itself on a cost-rental basis. Tenants contribute up to 10 percent of investment costs as equity and a portion of rent flows into a solidarity fund. This model shields residents from extreme fluctuations in the housing market and allows the cooperative to remain affordable.
Projects under WOGENO’s umbrella include renovated older buildings as well as more recent developments, all self-managed by residents according to the cooperative’s principles. The legal entity is governed by a 15-person board, with a mandate registered at Hardturmstrasse 134 in Zurich. WOGENO consistently positions itself as a self-help organization and sees ongoing relevance, as similar initiatives have since sprung up across Switzerland.