Stricter rules for Airbnb and business apartments in Switzerland
A recent ruling by the Federal Supreme Court is causing a shift in the Swiss housing market. More and more municipalities are deciding to restrict the renting of apartments to tourists or business travelers. The goal of these measures is to protect scarce housing for the local population.
The example of the municipality of Kilchberg on Lake Zurich in particular illustrates this new trend. Although the municipality is politically rather conservative, it recently voted in favor of a ban on Airbnb listings and so-called business apartments. In doing so, the municipality is following a development that can be observed in many Swiss cities and tourist regions.
The legal basis for these decisions has been strengthened by the Federal Supreme Court. The court has clarified that, under certain conditions, municipalities may restrict the operation of short-term rental offerings in residential areas. For many residents, this is an important step, as they are often burdened by the frequent turnover of tenants and the noise in their neighborhoods.
However, critics of the new rules point out that business apartments are important for companies that send their employees to Switzerland for projects. They fear that a ban could limit economic flexibility. Nevertheless, the political will to secure housing for residents in the long term currently prevails.
It remains to be seen how many more municipalities will follow this example. The debate over the use of housing in Switzerland is certain to occupy politicians and the real estate industry for some time to come.