In the Zurich district of Seebach, a property on Katzenbachstrasse has become a focal point of local frustration regarding the shifting housing market. In July 2022, eight rental parties, including a 37-year-old resident and her partner, received notice to vacate their apartments. The termination letters cited planned renovation work and an upward expansion of the property as the primary reasons for the move.
More than three years later, the building’s exterior appears unchanged and no visible renovations have taken place. Despite the original justification for the evictions, the former residence is now being offered as a furnished unit on a short-term booking platform. The financial shift is significant: while the previous monthly rent was 1,490 francs, the current cost for a five-night stay is approximately 1,665 francs—an amount that exceeds the previous monthly total. For a full month of short-term rental, the price has climbed to over 8,000 francs, representing an increase of more than 400 percent.
Did You Know? Tenants in Switzerland generally have a 30-day window from the receipt of a termination notice to legally challenge it. If a tenant fails to contest the notice within this timeframe, the landlord is typically granted the freedom to manage the vacated property without further public oversight.
Expert Insight: The situation at Katzenbachstrasse illustrates the widening gap between traditional residential tenancy and the lucrative short-term rental market. When property owners are not required to provide detailed justifications for terminations, the burden shifts entirely to the tenant to initiate legal action, creating a significant power imbalance in high-demand urban areas like Zurich.
Management Response and Future Outlook
Since the initial evictions, the property has undergone changes in both ownership, and management. The current owners are a couple based in New York. The Dinvest AG, which has managed the property since March 2026, states that the project aims for “sustainable renewal” and the creation of additional living space. According to the management, the goal is to expand the building to a total of 18 residential units.
The management indicates that existing temporary rental contracts are scheduled to run until January 31, 2027. Bauliche Maßnahmen (construction measures) are expected to commence only after this process concludes. The site will undergo significant structural development in the coming year, though former residents remain skeptical given the lack of progress since 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the original tenants asked to leave?
The tenants were issued notices in July 2022 citing planned renovations and the addition of an extra floor to the building.
Is there any oversight for apartment terminations?
According to legal experts, there is no public control over individual apartment terminations, and owners are not required to provide a justification for ending a lease unless the tenant contests the notice within 30 days.
What is the current status of the building?
The property is currently under the management of Dinvest AG, which plans to eventually redevelop the site into 18 units, with current temporary leases set to expire in early 2027.
How should cities balance the need for property development with the stability of long-term residential communities?
