Accommodation in Zurich

Finding accommodation in Zurich is one of the greatest initial challenges that you will face when relocating to Switzerland’s financial hub. The standard of housing in Zurich, in line with the rest of Switzerland, is excellent. It is also expensive.

With Switzerland having the lowest homeownership rate in Europe at about 40 percent, rental housing in Zurich is in extremely short supply. The vacancy rate has been steadily declining, and this has created fierce competition. Rental prices are notoriously high.

Considering the exorbitant rental rates in the city as well as the challenges of finding a suitable home in an unfamiliar place, try to negotiate a provision for accommodation into your employment contract. In senior positions, employers are often willing to make such a concession or at least assist in the search for a home. Budget for short-term accommodation while you nail down your long-term home.

Areas and suburbs in Zurich

Each of the areas and suburbs in Zurich offers a distinctly different vibe. The city is divided into 12 districts (kreis), each with its own character and appeal. City living is most appealing to singles and couples without children, while families often head to the suburbs for more space.

The Gold Coast (east side of Lake Zurich) and Silver Coast (west) are premium spots where many expat families settle, thanks to nearby international schools. The Gold Coast has traditionally commanded the highest price. Recently, some Silver Coast municipalities have actually overtaken Gold Coast prices. Whichever side of the lake you choose, they both deliver stunning lake views and excellent amenities.

If you’re on a tighter budget, look at areas like Zürcher Unterland near the airport, or Greifensee, with its protected nature reserve, and more moderate prices. District 5 used to be an industrial area, but it’s developed into one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Zurich.

Read more about the Best Places to Live in Zurich

Types of accommodation in Zurich

Accommodation in Zurich mostly comes in the form of apartments, with the majority of residents opting for flat living. Naturally, the price and character of the apartments vary according to the age of the building and the area in which it is located. Rent is substantial, and prices have risen over 40 percent in the last decade.

Freestanding houses are few and far between in Zurich, and if you’re looking for a family-friendly property, you should extend your accommodation search to the outlying suburbs of the city.

Across the board, property in Zurich is expensive, and you’ll need to set aside a large portion of your monthly budget to cover rent. Zurich ranks among the most expensive cities worldwide, with a cost of living higher than 97 percent of global cities.

Finding accommodation in Zurich

Finding accommodation in Zurich requires patience – and quick action when opportunities arise. Most expats in Zurich get some form of help from their employer when it comes to locking down a property. If you’re not lucky enough to have this sort of help, the best starting point is online. Searching online also gives you the chance to get an idea of what is available before you relocate to Zurich.

Many newcomers report attending numerous viewings without success and sometimes being ‘ghosted’ by landlords after applying. Be prepared for this competitive reality and consider organising temporary housing for your initial weeks or months in the city. Sublets are often easier to secure than permanent contracts and can provide breathing room for your search.

Failing this, the next option is to use an estate agent. These professionals have an intimate knowledge of Zurich’s property market and are best placed to find you a home that meets all of your requirements. They can also alert you to properties that haven’t yet been publicly advertised, which can be crucial in a market where many desirable homes never make it to public listings.

Useful links to property portals in Zurich

• Homegate
• ImmoScout24
• Comparis
• Flatfox

Renting accommodation in Zurich

Renting accommodation in Zurich demands preparation and swift decision-making. There is fierce competition for rentals, especially in desirable areas near the lake or city centre. Once you’ve found a suitable property, you’ll need to act quickly – and thoroughly – to secure the rental contract.

Making an application

As a prospective tenant, you’ll usually need to provide proof of employment, ID and bank statements to secure a lease. In some cases, you may also need a Swiss guarantor to act on your behalf – this will usually be your employer. Non-EU citizens need additional documentation, including a valid residence permit, travel documents recognised by Switzerland, and sometimes proof of sufficient funds in a European or Swiss bank account.

Accommodation in Zurich isn’t secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Landlords and rental agencies carefully review applications before choosing a tenant they think is the best fit.

Leases

Leases in Zurich are usually for a minimum period of 12 months. Once your tenancy application is approved and signed by both parties, the next step is to carry out an inspection of the property and do an inventory. Pay careful attention during this process, as Swiss standards for normal wear and tear are very narrowly defined. Anything beyond this form of damage can result in deductions from your deposit.

Deposits

You’re generally required to put down a security deposit that is equivalent to three months’ rent. The first month’s rent is also required to be paid upfront. The deposit will usually be returned at the end of the lease, provided there is no damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. Disputes over deposit returns rank among the most common landlord-tenant conflicts, so document the property’s condition thoroughly upon moving in.

Terminating the lease

You’re usually required to give at least one month’s notice if you wish to terminate a lease early. Carefully review your contract, as requirements can vary, and Swiss rental regulations are quite precise. Swiss law provides strong tenant protections, including the right to challenge initial rent within 30 days of moving in if you’re paying significantly more than the previous tenant.

Subletting is generally permitted in Switzerland and protected by law. If you need to sublet your apartment, the rent you charge shouldn’t exceed your own by more than 10 percent (or 20 if furnished). The original tenant remains responsible for rent payments and contract compliance with the landlord.

For more details, check out on Renting Accommodation in Switzerland.

Utilities in Zurich

Utilities in Zurich function efficiently, as might be expected in Switzerland. Properties in Zurich are usually unfurnished, and the rental prices can include extra service charges such as rubbish disposal. Electricity and water bills may or may not be included in the rent price; be sure to establish which utilities are for your own account when searching for a place to rent.

There is an enormous variation in utility costs between the seasons. Heating costs during winter months can double or even triple your bill compared to summer.

Electricity

Electricity in Zurich is primarily provided by EWZ, the city’s main electricity supplier, also considered Switzerland’s most sustainable energy service provider. The company is known for its focus on renewable energy sources, particularly hydroelectric power. Switzerland as a whole has one of the lowest carbon intensities among developed countries, which means your electricity comes from cleaner sources than in many other countries.

Gas

Natural gas services in Zurich are mainly provided by Energie 360°, which supplies gas to over 40 municipalities in the region. Gas is primarily used for heating and cooking, although many newer buildings are moving toward all-electric solutions for environmental reasons. Following Switzerland’s decision to phase out nuclear power in 2017, the energy system is transitioning, with initiatives like renewable heating aiming to reduce carbon emissions from households.

Water

Zurich’s water supply is managed by WVZ, which provides high-quality drinking water to the city and 67 surrounding communities. Swiss tap water is famously clean and safe to drink directly from the tap – many locals consider it superior to bottled water in taste and mineral content. Water sources include Lake Zurich, groundwater, and spring water, depending on your location in the city, with about half requiring no treatment from source to tap, thanks to Switzerland’s strict groundwater protection measures.

Bins and recycling

Waste management in Zurich is handled by ERZ, and the system might come as a culture shock to newcomers. Switzerland has one of the world’s most comprehensive recycling systems, with strict rules that you’ll need to follow.

Regular household waste must be disposed of in official fee-based bags (Züri-Sacks), while paper, cardboard, glass, aluminium, and PET are collected separately for recycling. The city provides detailed collection schedules for each neighbourhood, and ‘rubbish police’ actively investigate improper disposal with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Expect to sort your waste meticulously – Switzerland recycles approximately 50 percent of all waste, with the remainder converted to energy. Special collection points exist for electronics, textiles, and other specific waste types, and some tram stops in Zurich even serve as collection points for old electronics.

Useful links

• ewz
• Energie 360°
• Wasserversorgung Zürich
• Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ)