FAQ - Häufige Fragen

A cooperative apartment is often more affordable for several reasons:

• Non-Profit Purpose: Housing cooperatives do not pursue a profit maximization approach. Their main goal is to create affordable living space. Without the pressure to generate high returns, they can keep rents low.
• Member Participation: Since members purchase shares and jointly participate in the decision-making process, a strong community is created. This co-determination enables efficient management and reduces administrative costs, which has a positive impact on rents.
• Subsidies and Grants: Housing cooperatives can use government subsidies and grants to reduce construction costs. This financial support helps to reduce the burden on members.
• Long-Term Perspective: Baugenossenschaften sind langfristig orientiert. Statt kurzfristiger Gewinnmaximierung investieren sie in die Schaffung nachhaltiger, sozialer Wohnstrukturen, was langfristig zu stabileren und erschwinglicheren Mieten führen kann.
• Reduced Speculation: Since cooperatives are primarily focused on the needs of their members, there are fewer incentives for speculative practices that could lead to excessive rents.

Overall, these factors enable a cost-effective housing supply for the members who benefit from a cooperative apartment.

The search for a cooperative apartment can vary depending on the region and demand. In metropolitan areas with high demand, it can be more challenging to find a suitable apartment. However, there are several steps that interested parties can take to increase their chances:

• Information Sources: Cooperatives often publish their projects and available apartments on their websites or through local cooperative associations. It is important to check these sources regularly.
• Cooperative Associations: Regional cooperative associations can provide information on current projects and available apartments. Contacting these associations can be helpful in the search.
• Active Membership: In some cases, active participation in cooperative activities and meetings can increase the chances of finding an apartment. This shows interest in the community and strengthens the connection to the cooperative.
• Patience and Flexibility: Since cooperative apartments are often allocated based on the needs of members, the search requires patience and flexibility. It can be helpful to consider various cooperatives and to understand the criteria for apartment allocation.
• Apartment Application: Most cooperatives require an application for an apartment. A carefully completed application that emphasizes the cooperative values and the willingness to actively participate can improve your chances.

Overall, it is possible to find a cooperative apartment, but it requires commitment, research, and willingness to actively participate in cooperative life.

To get a cooperative apartment, you can take the following steps:

1. Research and Information: Start by learning about existing housing cooperatives in your area. This can be done through the websites of the cooperatives themselves, regional cooperative associations, or local housing authorities.
2. Membership Application: To obtain a cooperative apartment, you must become a member of the relevant housing cooperative. Complete a membership application and purchase the required cooperative shares.
3. Contacting Cooperatives: Contact various cooperatives to obtain information about current projects, available apartments, and the respective membership conditions. Some cooperatives also offer information events.
4. Active Participation: Show interest in the cooperative community by attending meetings or events. Active involvement can increase your chances of getting an apartment, as many cooperatives take member participation into account when allocating apartments.
5. Applying for Apartments: Once you are a member, you can actively apply for available apartments. The application should be filled out carefully and completely. Emphasize your willingness to actively participate in cooperative life.
6. Patience and Flexibility: The allocation of cooperative apartments can take time. Be patient and flexible in your apartment search. Consider different cooperatives and projects.
7. Review Financing: Make sure you can meet the financial requirements for purchasing the cooperative shares. In some cases, subsidies or loans may be available.
8. Prepare Documentation: Have all the necessary documents ready, such as proof of income and references. Cooperatives may request this information when reviewing applications.

Through careful preparation, commitment, and thorough research, you can improve your chances of obtaining a cooperative apartment.

Eligibility for a cooperative apartment depends on the guidelines and conditions of the respective housing cooperative. Here are some general factors that can influence eligibility:

• Membership: In principle, people who want to obtain a cooperative apartment must be a member of the relevant housing cooperative. Membership often requires the purchase of cooperative shares.
• Income Limits: Some cooperatives set income limits to ensure that the apartments are accessible to people with different financial backgrounds. There may be a specific income range that applicants must not exceed.
• Social Engagement: In many cooperatives, the social engagement of members is viewed positively. Active participation in cooperative activities or projects can increase the chances of obtaining an apartment.
• Waiting List Position: The length of membership and position on the waiting list can also influence eligibility. In some cooperatives, long-standing members or those who have been on the waiting list longer are given preference.
• Need and Housing Preferences: The actual need for housing and the alignment with the applicant's preferences can also play a role. This can concern the number of rooms needed, the location, or other specific requirements.
• Adherence to Cooperative Values: Housing cooperatives often value adherence to their cooperative principles. The willingness to actively participate in cooperative life and the recognition of cooperative values can positively influence eligibility.

It is important to know and fulfill the specific membership conditions and allocation guidelines of the respective cooperative. Interested parties should contact the relevant cooperative directly to obtain accurate information and clarify their eligibility.

Obtaining a cooperative apartment despite a high income depends on the specific guidelines of the respective housing cooperative. In principle, people with higher incomes also have the opportunity to obtain a cooperative apartment, as long as they meet the requirements of the cooperative. Here are some aspects to consider:

• Income Limits: Some cooperatives set income limits to ensure that their apartments are accessible to people with different financial backgrounds. It is important to check whether your own income is within the set limits.
• Social Engagement: Even with a higher income, social engagement can play a role in the allocation of cooperative apartments. The willingness to actively participate in cooperative activities can improve your chances.
• Membership and Waiting List Position: The length of membership and position on the waiting list can also influence the allocation. Long-standing members or those who have been on the waiting list longer may be given preference.
• Need and Preferences: The actual need for housing and the alignment with the applicant's preferences play a role. Cooperatives often take into account the number of rooms needed, the location, and other specific requirements.
• Adherence to Cooperative Values: Adherence to cooperative principles and recognition of cooperative values can also have a positive influence.

It is advisable to contact the relevant housing cooperative directly to obtain accurate information about their allocation criteria and conditions. In many cases, an individual review of the financial situation is carried out to ensure that apartments are allocated fairly and according to need.

The necessity of having children to obtain a cooperative apartment depends on the specific guidelines of the respective housing cooperative. In many cases, the presence of children is not mandatory, and the allocation of cooperative apartments is independent of the applicant's family status.

• Income Limits and Need: Cooperatives can set income limits to ensure that their apartments are accessible to people with different financial backgrounds. The number of family members can affect these income limits.
• Housing Preferences: The needs and preferences regarding the apartment (number of rooms, location, etc.) often play a role in the allocation. This can apply regardless of whether children live in the household or not.
• Social Engagement: The willingness to actively participate in cooperative activities can, in some cases, have a positive influence on the allocation, regardless of family structure.
• Individual Cooperative Guidelines: It is important to review the specific membership conditions and allocation guidelines of the respective cooperative. Some cooperatives may have different criteria that relate to the presence of children.

It is recommended to contact the housing cooperative directly to obtain accurate information. In many cases, an individual review of applications is carried out to ensure that the allocation is fair and meets the needs of the members.

The costs of joining a cooperative can vary depending on the specific housing cooperative and its individual regulations. Here are some factors that can influence the costs:

• Cooperative Shares: The main part of the costs when joining a cooperative often consists of the purchase of cooperative shares. Each member must purchase a certain number of shares, which serve as equity for the cooperative. The amount of shares can vary from cooperative to cooperative.
• Entry Fees: Some cooperatives may charge entry fees in addition to the cooperative shares. These fees can cover the administrative costs of admitting new members.
• Ongoing Membership Fees: In addition to the initial costs, cooperative members may also be required to pay regular membership fees. These fees can be used for the ongoing management and maintenance of the cooperative facilities.
• Subsidies and Loans: Some cooperatives may offer subsidies or loans to facilitate membership, especially for members with limited financial resources.

It is important to inquire about the exact costs and conditions directly with the respective housing cooperative. This can usually be done through the cooperative itself, its website, or by contacting the responsible parties. The membership conditions and cost structure can vary significantly from cooperative to cooperative, and a clear understanding of this is crucial before deciding to join.

To become a member, you usually need to acquire shares in the cooperative. The conditions (cost of shares, admission freezes, requirements such as residency obligation, etc.) vary greatly from cooperative to cooperative. Information on this can usually be found on the websites of the respective cooperative. Laos.io often offers detailed information on the cooperative profiles (Premium).

That depends on the cooperative. For many, membership is a prerequisite for an application. Some also allow applications from non-members but require you to become a member upon signing the contract. For new construction projects, there are sometimes deadlines by which one must have become a member.

Cooperative shares represent a financial stake in the cooperative and provide equity capital for financing projects. They often replace the usual security deposit. Upon moving out, the value of the shares is generally returned according to the statutes.

Laos.io Premium provides access to detailed profiles of over 650 cooperatives, including known construction projects and information on the status of waiting lists (if this information is publicly available). However, the most reliable and up-to-date source remains the websites of the cooperatives themselves.

Cooperative apartments are often significantly cheaper than comparable apartments on the open market. As our statistics show, the savings, e.g., in Zurich, can amount to several hundred to over a thousand francs per month depending on the apartment size. They also usually offer long-term rent security and promote community living.

This glossary explains the most important terms you may encounter when searching for a cooperative apartment on Laos.io.

• Cooperative Share: A security that you purchase to become a member of a housing cooperative. It represents your financial share in the cooperative. The amount is defined in the statutes and often depends on the apartment size. Unlike a security deposit, this is equity capital for the cooperative. Upon leaving, you typically receive the value back according to the statutes.
• Share Capital: The sum of all cooperative shares paid in by members. This capital is used by the cooperative to finance its activities (e.g., construction, purchase, renovation of properties).
• Housing Cooperative: An organization legally structured as a cooperative, whose main purpose is to provide its members with affordable and secure housing. It usually operates on a non-profit basis, not for profit maximization. The members are co-owners of the properties.
• Occupancy Regulations: Rules that specify the minimum or maximum number of people allowed to live in an apartment of a certain size. They aim to ensure fair use of living space (avoiding under- and overcrowding) and are particularly relevant for subsidized housing.
• Application Process: The procedure for applying for a cooperative apartment. This usually involves filling out an application form, submitting documents (e.g., debt enforcement register extract, proof of income), and sometimes personal interviews. The process is often very competitive, and a quick response is important – this is where Laos.io helps with immediate notifications.
• Replacement New Build: The demolition of existing (often older) cooperative buildings and their replacement with new, usually denser and more modern buildings on the same site. This often creates more living space but may mean relocation for existing tenants.
• General Assembly (GA): The supreme governing body of a cooperative. Here, members exercise their voting and election rights, decide on important matters such as annual accounts, statute amendments, and elect the board of directors.
• Non-profit Status / Public Benefit: The principle by which many housing cooperatives operate. It means that the focus is not on profit, but on the well-being of members and the provision of affordable housing. This often leads to rents below market level (see Cost Rent).
• Cost Rent: A rent model where the rent is calculated to cover only the actual costs of the property (incl. maintenance, administration, interest on capital, provisions), without an additional profit margin. This is the main reason for the lower rents in cooperatives compared to the open market.
• Membership: Belonging to a cooperative, usually established by purchasing cooperative shares. It is often a prerequisite for renting an apartment and grants rights (e.g., voting rights at the GA) and obligations (e.g., adherence to the statutes).
• Co-determination / Right to Participate: The right of members to participate in the cooperative's decisions, typically through the General Assembly. This is a core feature of cooperative living.
• New Construction Project: A project for building new cooperative apartments. These are particularly sought-after. Information on current projects and their rental start dates can often be found on Laos.io or directly from the cooperatives. Application windows are often very short.
• Regulations / Bylaws: Additional provisions to the statutes that regulate specific areas, e.g., the rental regulations (criteria for apartment allocation), house rules, or rules for the use of common areas.
• Self-management / Self-governance: The principle that the cooperative is managed by its members (through elected bodies like the board and GA). Sometimes this also includes the expectation or opportunity for active participation (e.g., gardening, organizing events).
• Statutes / Articles of Association: The 'constitution' of a cooperative. They define the purpose, organization (bodies like the board, GA), rights and obligations of members, conditions for joining and leaving, the amount of cooperative shares, and other fundamental rules.
• Subsidized Apartment: An apartment whose rent is lower than the cost rent thanks to financial support from public authorities (federal, cantonal, municipal). Allocation is subject to strict conditions (e.g., income and asset limits, minimum occupancy, duration of residence in the canton).
• Board of Directors: The executive body of the cooperative, elected by the General Assembly. The board is responsible for the management and implementation of the GA's resolutions.
• Waiting List / List of Interested Parties: A list where apartment seekers can register. However, many cooperatives no longer maintain open waiting lists or have closed them. Instead, vacant apartments are often advertised directly on their own website or portals like Laos.io. Information on the status of waiting lists can sometimes be found in the cooperative profiles on Laos.io.

Laos.io is the largest search engine for cooperative apartments in Switzerland. The platform simplifies the search by using AI-powered technology to continuously scan the websites of housing cooperatives and real estate portals for newly advertised cooperative apartments. These listings are centrally aggregated and published on Laos.io. Our goal is to save you time and increase your chances of finding one of the coveted and often only briefly available apartments. Premium members also receive real-time notifications as soon as new suitable apartments become available.

Laos.io is intended for anyone actively seeking a cooperative apartment in Switzerland. This includes individuals, families, existing cooperative members, researchers, or actors in the housing sector who want to benefit from a centralized, fast information source.

Viewing the listings (with 24h delay) on the homepage is free (Free Tier with basic access). However, to benefit from all advantages such as immediate notifications via email or WhatsApp, access to the complete database of over 650 cooperatives, detailed info on construction projects and waiting lists, advanced search filters, statistics, and the AI generator for application letters, a Premium membership is required. This currently costs CHF 15.00 per month. For new users, we offer a free 5-day trial period to explore the Premium features without obligation.

Very up-to-date. Our AI-powered technology uses automated web scraping to continuously search the websites of housing cooperatives and relevant platforms for new listings and recognizes them in real-time. As soon as a new apartment is published on a monitored website, it also appears on Laos.io.

Laos.io covers all of Switzerland and lists apartments from over 650 cooperatives nationwide. You can use our advanced filtering tools to narrow your search by canton, city, price, size, and other criteria.

1. Select Region & Filters: Specify where you are searching (e.g., canton, city) and use filters for size, price, etc.
2. (Premium) Create Search Alert: Define up to 4 individual search profiles to receive tailored notifications.
3. Check Listings: Browse the current offers on the platform.
4. (Premium) Receive Notifications: Get notified immediately via email or WhatsApp when a suitable apartment goes online.
5. Apply Quickly: Use the information and links in the listing to apply directly to the cooperative.

With Laos.io, you can be informed about new cooperative apartments that match your search criteria. As a Premium member, you receive notifications in real-time. As soon as our system detects a new apartment that matches your search criteria, you will immediately receive a notification via WhatsApp or email (depending on your settings).

You have the following notification options to choose from:

• Email Notifications: Receive information about new available apartments directly in your email inbox. You can choose between immediate notifications or regular updates every 4 hours.
• WhatsApp Notifications: For even faster reactions, you can also receive notifications directly via WhatsApp on your smartphone. These notifications are always immediate when new suitable apartments become available.

To set up notifications:

1. Define your search criteria (location, price, number of rooms, etc.) in a search profile (up to 4 as a Premium member).
2. Activate notifications for the search profile.
3. Choose your preferred notification type (Email or WhatsApp) and the interval (for email).
4. Enter your contact details and confirm.

The notifications contain all important information about the new apartments and direct links to the listings, so you can react quickly. You can manage your notifications at any time in your profile or deactivate them via the unsubscribe link in the notifications.

• Full access to all listings from over 650 cooperatives throughout Switzerland.
• Instant real-time notifications via email or WhatsApp for up to 4 individual search profiles.
• Access to the AI generator for personalized application letters.
• Detailed information on cooperatives, including properties, known construction projects, and information on the status of waiting lists (if publicly available).
• Access to advanced analyses and statistics on the housing market.
• Unlimited use of custom search filters.
• Limited number of members for fair chances.

We limit the number of Premium members to keep competition among seekers fair and increase each individual's chances of a successful application. Should the plans be fully booked, we manage new subscribers via an automated waiting list system.

Laos.io is an information and search platform. The actual application takes place directly with the advertising housing cooperative according to their requirements and processes. Laos.io provides the necessary information and links but does not forward applications.

Yes, Premium members have access to our AI-powered application letter generator. This creates professional, individually tailored cover letters specifically designed for the respective cooperative and listing, highlighting your motivation and potential contribution to the community.

You can register directly on the laos.io website to use the Premium features or start the free trial.

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Laos.io offers comprehensive market insights, including price trends, geographical distribution of listings, historical data, and user interaction statistics.

Yes, Premium subscribers have access to detailed historical data. This allows for informed decisions and analysis of market trends in the cooperative housing sector.