Accommodation in Switzerland

Finding a place to live in Switzerland can be challenging. Rent is high, competition is tough, and securing a long-term rental – especially in major cities – can take time.

Most people, including locals, rent rather than buy, which limits availability and keeps demand high. This often means you’ll need to budget for temporary housing while searching for a permanent home.

If you’re moving for work, try to negotiate a housing allowance with your employer. Some companies help employees find accommodation, making the transition easier.

Types of accommodation in Switzerland

Apartments are the most common type of accommodation in Switzerland, particularly in large cities such as Geneva and Zurich. Freestanding houses are available but tend to be expensive or located outside urban areas.

Switzerland is a country of tenants, with over 60 percent of households renting rather than owning. Although rental prices were recently soaring, they have started to stabilise. Demand remains high, particularly in urban areas where competition for properties is fierce. The vacancy rate has continued to decline, making the market even tighter.

Zurich remains the most expensive city for rentals in Switzerland, followed by Geneva, Basel, and Bern. According to Numbeo’s data, the cost of maintaining the same living standard in Zurich is slightly higher than in Geneva. In contrast, La Chaux-de-Fonds is one of the more affordable cities for rent. Swiss cities frequently rank among the most expensive in the world.

Expats should also be aware that urban areas predominantly feature apartments, while freestanding houses are more common in rural regions. However, due to Switzerland’s mountainous terrain and limited space, single-family homes are in short supply.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most properties in Switzerland are rented unfurnished. In some cases, "unfurnished" means no light fixtures, carpets, or even basic appliances. Tenants may also need to remove soft furnishings, such as curtains when they move out. Kitchens and bathrooms typically aren’t counted as "rooms" in Swiss rental listings, so a "3-room flat" would have a kitchen, bathroom, and three additional rooms.

Short-term rentals

Short-term rental options include serviced apartments, sublets, and platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. Other commonly used platforms include Tripadvisor/Flipkey, Booking.com, and Expedia.

In Zurich, a City Tax of CHF 2.50 per person per night applies for short-term stays. For Airbnb hosts, this tax is collected automatically and forwarded to Zurich Tourismus.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Ums.ch (Temporary Housing)
• Vision Apartments

Finding accommodation in Switzerland

If your employer doesn’t provide assistance, you can start your search using online property portals, local newspapers, or real estate agency listings. Some of the most reliable property websites include Homegate, ImmoScout24, Flatfox, and Newhome. These platforms offer a wide range of listings from both private landlords and agencies. In French-speaking Switzerland, many rental properties are managed by 'Régies', property management companies that handle leases on behalf of owners.

The Swiss rental market is highly competitive, especially in major cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, where apartments are often rented within hours. To improve your chances, it helps to set up alerts on major property platforms, have all required documents ready, and submit applications quickly. Many expats find housing through Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, or personal referrals before properties are officially advertised.

The time it takes to secure a rental depends on the location and level of competition. In cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, it can take one to three months to find suitable accommodation, while the process may be faster in smaller towns. You might want to start with a short-term rental while looking for a long-term home.

Useful links

• Homegate
• ImmoScout24
• Comparis

Renting accommodation in Switzerland

The Swiss rental market remains highly competitive, with demand continuing to outstrip supply in many regions. Vacancy rates remain low, and rental prices have increased slightly. Competition for properties is intense, especially in Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne.

With more people moving in than apartments available, rental demand remains high. Rising energy costs and interest rate hikes contributed to sharp rent increases in recent years, but price growth has shown signs of stabilising. However, rents are expected to continue rising, particularly in areas with strong economic growth, such as Zug, Nidwalden, and Lucerne.

Making an application

Landlords in Switzerland prioritise financial stability when selecting tenants. You will typically need to provide proof of income, such as salary slips or an employment contract, along with a Betreibungsauszug (debt enforcement register) to demonstrate a clean financial record. Some landlords also require reference letters from previous landlords or employers to strengthen your application.

If you’re an expat, Swiss landlords traditionally prefer tenants with a C permit (permanent residency), but more are now accepting deposit insurance instead of requiring a Swiss guarantor. If you don’t have a local guarantor, some landlords may ask for a larger upfront deposit – sometimes up to six months’ rent. Using services like SwissCaution or FirstCaution can help you secure a rental without a traditional deposit.

Leases and deposits

Lease agreements in Switzerland are typically for a minimum of 12 months. In high-demand areas, landlords often prefer fixed-term contracts lasting two to five years, although some are beginning to offer shorter leases of six months at a premium price.

By law, landlords cannot request more than three months’ rent as a security deposit. However, some landlords ask for up to six months’ rent upfront if tenants lack a Swiss guarantor.

Terminating the lease

Generally, you have to give at least three months’ notice before terminating a lease. This is often aligned with fixed move-out dates in March, June, and September. If that doesn't work for you, you may be able to terminate earlier if you can find a replacement tenant who meets the landlord’s financial and background requirements.

One challenge tenants face is that some landlords may reject proposed replacement tenants, delaying the termination process. If you cannot find a suitable replacement, you may have to continue paying rent until the lease officially ends. Subletting is permitted, but landlords must be informed in advance.

Under Swiss tenancy law, you are only responsible for further rent payments if no suitable replacement is provided. If a landlord rejects all proposed tenants without valid reasons, you are no longer liable for rent after your move-out date.

Utilities in Switzerland

Utilities in Switzerland are developed, and there’s a strong focus on reliability, sustainability, and efficiency. Your utilities may or may not be included in your rental agreement, so check with your landlord before signing the lease.

Electricity and gas

Electricity in Switzerland is highly reliable, with a network of over 900 regional energy providers. The major suppliers include EWZ (Zurich), SIG (Geneva), BKW (Bern), and Romande Energie (western Switzerland). Households cannot choose their electricity provider.

The country’s electricity supply is primarily generated from renewable sources, with hydropower accounting for nearly 60 percent of production. Nuclear energy contributes about 30 percent, while solar and wind make up a smaller percentage. Switzerland also imports some electricity, particularly during winter.

Smart meters are widely used to monitor consumption. Electricity prices vary by canton and provider. Households are charged based on a combination of a basic flat rate, grid usage fees, and peak/off-peak pricing in some areas.

Most Swiss homes rely on electricity rather than gas. It is primarily used for heating in some urban areas, while rural regions rely more on electric or alternative heating sources. Zurich and parts of western Switzerland have limited access to piped natural gas supplied by companies such as Gaznat and Erdgas Zurich. Gas usage is metered separately and billed based on consumption.

Water

Water in Switzerland is managed at a municipal level and is considered some of the cleanest in the world. Around 80 percent of the country’s water supply comes from lakes and groundwater, with the remaining 20 percent sourced from mountain reservoirs. Swiss tap water is among the cleanest in the world – unless you’re in a hard-water area, there's no need for filtration.

For most tenants, water costs are included in rental charges, while homeowners receive separate municipal bills. Pricing varies by canton and may be bundled with other local service charges. While Switzerland generally has abundant water resources, some regions may impose temporary restrictions during dry summer months.

Bins and recycling

Switzerland has strict waste disposal regulations. Most municipalities require household waste to be disposed of in official taxed garbage bags, which can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores. Failure to use the correct bags or dispose of waste properly can result in fines.

Recycling is mandatory and well-organised. Residents must separate glass, paper, cardboard, PET plastics, and metal for collection. Glass is usually sorted by colour at designated collection points. Organic waste collection is available in many cities, and composting is encouraged, with some cantons offering subsidies for composting equipment.

Internet and telecommunications

Switzerland has excellent internet infrastructure, with fibre-optic connections available in most urban areas. The main internet providers include Swisscom, Salt, Sunrise, and Init7. Many plans include bundled TV and phone services, and unlimited data is standard.

Keeping in Touch in Switzerland

Useful links

• EWZ (Zurich), SIG (Geneva), BKW (Bern) and Romande Energie (Western Switzerland)