Due to housing shortage, family can no longer find accommodation in tourist hotspot: “In the worst case, we have to leave here after 22 years.”

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Only a few more weeks. At best, a few more months. But that is no longer in their hands, but in those of the arbitration committee, which can grant a postponement if necessary. Then it’s over. Then the Schlemmer-Catino family has to leave their 4.5-room apartment. The family of four received a notice of termination three months ago. Reason: The landlord has reported his own use.

So far so correct. Alone: ​​The family lives in Wengen, a picturesque town in the municipality of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. An idyll surrounded by mountains. Snow-capped peaks, steep rock walls, the breathtaking Staubbach Falls. All this attracts tourists – and has an impact. Especially for the locals.

Hardly any apartments and high rents

Rents and real estate prices: above average. Vacant apartments: hardly. Schlemmer-Catinos have lived here for 22 years. Since the termination, they have been looking for a new place to live. The family has inquired with the tourist office and the municipality. Published advertisements on the Internet and in the village. So far without success. In the cozy family home there is suddenly only room for fear and uncertainty.

“In the worst case, we have to leave here,” says mother Cristina (49). She works as a medical secretary in the village. The father, Davide (51), is the manager of a local holiday home. The children grew up here, the daughter (13) is in group 7 and the son (17) is in the third year. They all have friends, acquaintances and hobbies here.

The region lives from tourism, without guests it does not work. But the community of Lauterbrunnen is bursting at the seams. Campsites, group accommodations, hotels and holiday apartments are regularly fully booked. According to the municipality, the hotels registered almost 460,000 overnight stays last year. The holiday apartments are almost 200,000. It goes without saying that enterprising locals see opportunities here.

The local population and workers suffer

They rent out second homes or apartments for short periods of time that are not used for personal use. The downside: “Many of these apartments are no longer available as living space for residents,” says the municipality. In concrete terms, this means that local residents such as the Schlemmer-Catino family and employees, especially from the service sector, can no longer find affordable housing. Many people in Lauterbrunnen wonder: is the community selling its soul?

A dilemma that also concerns the municipal council. In September he sent a letter to the residents. In it he asked everyone who has accommodation to make it available for rental to local families or individuals. During a neighborhood meeting, ideas were discussed to combat the problems: with higher parking prices, for example. Or with daily costs, as Venice knows them.

“Concrete measures are needed”

SP municipal councilor Lena Allenspach (31) from Bern also observes the housing market situation in Lauterbrunnen with concern. She grew up in the community and cares about the region where her family and friends still live. The politician is also campaigning for more affordable housing in her adopted home Bern. She is therefore convinced: “Relying on your own responsibility is not enough. Concrete measures are needed.”

In a letter to the Lauterbrunnen City Council, Allenspach wrote: “I ask you to protect living space in the Lauterbrunnen community.” This means, for example, the preservation of first homes with a corresponding adjustment to the zoning plan or building regulations. Today, under the old law, primary homes can be sold as second homes at high prices, permanently removing them from the housing market for locals.

“As a result, more and more apartments are being misused and rents are rising. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is home to many people and they should continue to be able to find affordable apartments. “The community must therefore take action now and protect the existing living space,” the politician explains her offensive.

“It is not possible to buy”

Allenspach also brings up the regulation of Airbnb or other booking platforms. For example, the cities of Lucerne and Bern (for the old city edge) have already accepted this through the ballot box.

The Schlemmer-Catino family would be willing to compromise on the rental price. “We are aware that we would have to pay more rent for a new apartment. If necessary, we would also take a smaller apartment,” says Cristina Schlemmer-Catino. Buying a home is not possible given the high prices.

Despite the stress and setbacks of looking for an apartment, the Schlemmer-Catino family remains cautiously optimistic that there will be a happy ending. “We have an appointment with the arbitration committee on October 25,” says the mother, “then we will see what happens next for us.”

Source:Blick