In Switzerland there is a shortage of building land, and residential property is very expensive. On average, 20 percent of income is spent on rent.

Only just over one third of the population live in their own house or apartment - a very low proportion in comparison to the rest of Europe, although the figure is rising.

The 2000 census showed that nearly 68% of households consisted of one or two people. It put the average living space per person at 44 m2 (474 sq. ft.).