Geneva law on right-to-buy faces vote

Monday, 15 December 2025 06:30

In Geneva, a long-standing restriction on tenants buying the apartments they live in has been significantly loosened.

On Friday, the Grand Council approved changes to the law making it easier for sitting tenants to purchase their homes under defined conditions.

Supporters say the reform responds to strong demand for homeownership in a canton where fewer than one in five residents own property.

The new rules cap prices, limit purchases to current tenants who’ve there for at least three years’ and require buyers to stay for five more years.

Left wing parties strongly oppose the move, warning it will revive speculative practices that reduce rental housing.

They’ve announced a referendum, which will require just 500 signatures to force a public vote.

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