There is a controversial demand on the table in parliament: state support for the dream of owning a home

The demand on the table is that the federal government, for example, should help young families realize their dream of owning their own home. If you do not inherit, owning your own apartment or house is now unaffordable in many cases.

The federal government should guarantee this

State councilor Heidi Z’graggen (57, center) from Uri says that often only a few tens of thousands of francs are missing for a loan. If it has its way, the federal government would have to intervene in such cases and, for example, provide a guarantee to the bank. So a family should get the loan, even if they don’t actually have enough money for it. The federal government bears the risk.

Direct state support for house and apartment owners already existed in Switzerland from the mid-1970s until 2003. Twenty years ago, parliament passed a new law. It determined that the federal government could make it easier to purchase homeownership with interest-free or low-interest direct loans. But even before the law came into effect, it was decided to scrap this measure. The execution was suspended. Until today.

Z’graggen believes that now is the time to reactivate the law and finally introduce direct support for home ownership. The centrist politician already called for this in 2021. Now the Economic Commission wants to instruct the Federal Council to investigate the implementation at least once. The Council of States must still approve the decision in December. This will be a formality, after all the committee has decided unanimously.

Left against it

Despite the unanimous decision, the requirement is controversial. Basel SP state councilor Eva Herzog (61) says: “This is not the time for such measures.” Non-profit housing development, the impact of which will also be examined as part of the initiative, has a much greater leverage effect in alleviating the housing shortage. The Social Democrat warns that direct promotion of real estate ownership would only drive up real estate prices further – a concern that the Federal Council also shares.

There is also skepticism in the civilian camp, as evidenced by conversations with parliamentarians. The fact that the federal government is writing another report: no one is against it. But whether you actually do it right afterwards is a completely different question.

Parmelin must deliver

Center councilor Z’graggen has confidence despite everything. “It will certainly be a challenge, but I believe we can find a majority within all parties.”

Herzog, on the other hand, also has her hopes in Minister of Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin (63). At the end of this year, a working group he set up will make suggestions about what can be done about the housing crisis. Despite the hardened fronts, she believes that compromises are possible. Those who help renters – and perhaps homeowners too.