Hello,

I have heard in the past about project developments by the authorities where one can apply for brand new flats for quite attractive rates, although of course, getting one is quite difficult (is it based on income ?).
Stuff like this: http://www.freilager-zuerich.ch/

Is there a similar thing for purchases ? I am just starting to wonder if it makes sense to buy here (I never considered it as I thought it was way too expensive)

Do you mean apartments to rent from "Genossenschaften"? They provide new builded apartments for reasonable prices. But to get there, your salary need to be beyond a specific amount.

To your second question "buying instead of renting": If you are required to buy (permit B or C), then buying an apartment might be interesting for you, as the mortgage is very attractiv right now. Some pay less for the mortgage than they would by renting. It depends on the prices. Apartments in Zurich are very expensive.