Anyone looking for a cooperative flat for the first time quickly comes across the term cost rent (Kostenmiete). It is the key to why cooperative flats are usually cheaper than comparable market flats, and why the price can still differ greatly between two cooperatives.
What does cost rent mean?
In contrast to market rent, which is based on what the market allows, cost rent covers only the actual costs of the property: mortgage interest, maintenance, administration, provisions for renovations and depreciation. According to Moneyland, non-profit housing cooperatives usually charge this cost rent: the rent only has to cover the actual costs.
Why prices vary nevertheless
A cooperative that has owned its properties for decades and has long paid off the mortgages can let considerably more cheaply than one that has recently built new or renovated a property. That explains why two cooperative flats of the same size in the same city can cost different amounts.
- Older, paid-off properties: usually the lowest rents.
- New buildings or freshly renovated estates: higher rents because of ongoing capital costs.
- Location and fittings: play a smaller role than with market flats, but not none.
Do not forget service charges and the share certificate
On top of the net rent there are, as with any rental flat, service charges for heating, water and common electricity. In addition there is the one-off share certificate on membership, a kind of repayable deposit, not a running cost. Some cooperatives also charge a small, non-refundable joining fee.
Putting city comparisons in perspective
Absolute rents naturally differ greatly between cities such as Zurich, Bern or Basel and smaller cities such as Olten or Thun. More important than a single average value is the comparison with the local market rent level. The specific rent is stated in the respective listing.
Conclusion
Anyone looking for a cheap cooperative flat should look specifically for older, established cooperatives in the desired region and not be put off by a single high rent figure; the range is wide. Wohnify shows you what we are currently finding, including the rent, so you can compare yourself.
Sources
Sources as of October 2026. Rules and amounts change; the cooperative's own information is binding.
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