2025 was the year of home ownership. In the referendum on 28 September 2025, the imputed rent tax was abolished with 57.7 percent of the votes in favour. A great success: not only for HEV, who played a leading role in the campaign, but especially for homeowners. Delegates were pleased to receive the final report on activities during the referendum year. However, the work is still ongoing: HEV Schweiz is currently coordinating political efforts with its cantonal associations to ensure the adequate implementation of the new tax regime in the cantons. This concerns, on the one hand, the tasks at the federal level to implement the system change in home ownership taxation. On the other hand, it includes the regulations for the continuation of tax deductions for environmental measures and energy-related renovations at the cantonal level.
While HEV Schweiz described its collaboration with the tax administration as very constructive, the Federal Office for Housing (FOH) faced criticism. According to various media reports, the office is working on a study that under the guise of spatial planning examines the potential densification of the residential population in single-family home neighborhoods. The idea that properties, now partially occupied by just one or two people, as well as underutilized construction plots, could be made available for larger households by relocating current residents is highly problematic from a rule-of-law perspective. HEV President Gregor Rutz intervened with Federal President Guy Parmelin with a clear request to put a stop to this questionable conduct within the administration.
In celebration of the 140th anniversary of the Zurich city association, the delegates' meeting was held in Zurich. HEV Schweiz was honoured to welcome distinguished guests, including Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter and Government President Carmen Walker Späh.