Construction delays postpone move-in for 90 Zurich homes

Move-in dates for 90 apartments in Zurich’s Koch housing development have been delayed by several weeks, in some cases by up to three months, affecting about 300 future residents. Swiss broadcaster SRF reported that the cooperative Kraftwerk 1 notified tenants about two weeks before their planned move-in.

The delay affects about three-quarters of the development’s future residents. Move-ins at buildings 50 and 52 are expected to be pushed back by around six weeks, while those at building 54 face delays of about 10 to 12 weeks. No delay is currently planned for building 56.

Kraftwerk 1 said serious delivery delays meant tightly scheduled finishing work could not be completed on time. In particular, stairwells were not ready, meaning requirements for residents to move in could not be met.

The short notice has disrupted plans for tenants whose current leases have ended or are close to ending. Kraftwerk 1 is seeking temporary options, including guest rooms at other cooperatives, short-term rental apartments and storage for furniture and moving boxes. It said it would contact affected tenants, starting with those due to move in within days.

The cooperative says it will cover additional costs caused by the delay, although the details have not yet been settled. Costs for temporary arrangements must be reasonable. Existing leases remain valid, but tenants may withdraw from their contracts because of the delay.

The Koch development is one of Zurich’s largest housing projects. The former industrial site was occupied in 2013 and later approved for nonprofit housing, commercial and cultural spaces, and a public park. Construction began after the site was cleared in 2023.