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Housing shortage is biggest worry for Zurich residents

Housing shortage is the biggest concern of the people of Zurich
Housing shortage is the biggest concern of the people of Zurich Keystone-SDA

The housing shortage is the most pressing problem for the people of the Swiss city of Zurich. In the most recent population survey, 56% named this as their number one concern.

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For more than 20 years, the topic of “transport” was always at the top of the worry barometer. Even in the most recent survey in 2023, the lack of cycle paths and cancelled parking spaces still came in first place, on a par with housing.

Now, the lack of housing and the sometimes horrendous rents are clearly the biggest concerns of the people of Zurich. Transport is now in second place, followed by the cost of living.

+ Zurich: Welcome to the world capital of housing shortages!

Two-thirds of respondents are dissatisfied with the housing on offer (rating 1 or 2). Only 6% are satisfied (rating 5 or 6). In addition, 83% of residents believe that the city is doing “far too little” or “too little” to promote the construction of affordable, non-profit housing.

The city has been conducting the population survey since 1999, usually every two years. This year, around 5,100 people took part.

+ Housing shortages – what works and what doesn’t  

Adapted from German by AI/ts

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