What we do – and why we do it.

Land and property are scarce resources in Switzerland and many other countries and are therefore expensive. Usually too expensive for affordable housing and social or cultural projects, especially in city centres. Farmers are also confronted with rising land prices and leases. The Edith Maryon Foundation works to remove land from speculation so that we or others can use it in a socially responsible manner.

Land is a limited resource. Land ownership and land distribution issues are becoming increasingly important for our society and our future. We want to remove land and real estate from speculation and make them available for projects that benefit many people instead of just a few. This is why we work with the owners or tenants to find alternatives. Our primary goal is to remove debt from land and to support and secure socially responsible housing and workplaces for the long term.

From the initial idea to the finished project

Most of our real estate property is given to us as a gift or bequest, some properties we purchase outright. We then rent out or lease properties under short-term or hereditary leases, and thus we are able to support farms, affordable housing projects, and social or cultural projects. The efficient use of land is important to us. For example, we accompany and support individuals or organisations in legal or contractual matters and in setting up their own self-governing structures. We are currently involved in projects in the following areas:

Residential housing
Community living
Living and working
Culture and trade
Health and recreation
Training and education
Farming and agriculture

Sustainable and future-oriented

Through our projects, we bring together people who want to change how we live, work, and live together with one another. We plan for the long-term and focus on personal responsibility and self-administration. Residents or tenants not only live in or use their houses but ideally, they should care for and maintain them also. Firstly, because they have to bear responsibility, and secondly so that future generations can also benefit from their efforts and develop them further.