Accommodation in Switzerland

Expats moving to Switzerland will find that although the accommodation options available are comfortable, and in line with Switzerland's reputation as a modern, highly developed nation, the competition for housing is incredibly stiff, and as a result, accommodation prices are high, even in comparison to other European states.
 

Types of Accommodation in Switzerland
 

The overwhelming majority of accommodation options in Switzerland are found in apartment buildings. Whether in the larger cities – such as Geneva or Zurich – or in smaller towns, small, self-contained flat units dominate the property market. As mentioned, monthly accommodation costs in Switzerland run incredibly high (something to bear in mind when negotiating your contract) – from CHF 1,000 for a small apartment in an unglamorous area, to CHF 3,000 for an upmarket city apartment, to as much as CHF 5,000 for a larger house in a more suburban setting.
 

Renting Property in Switzerland
 

Over 70 percent of the Swiss population rent their homes, as opposed to owning them – and the result is that, generally, there are very few rental properties available for expats. This not only drives up the price of what little housing is available, but also can lead to extraneous expenses, should you need to stay in hotels and hostels while hunting for a rental. You are strongly advised to request that your Swiss employer supply some kind of housing provision for you upon arrival.
 

If you are in the position of needing to find your own place to stay, the Geneva Welcome Centre's web site is a good place to start, as are local newspapers and the numerous (free) real estate brochures that are published. Another option, which might appeal to budget-conscious expats, is to try to find a room to rent in a house shared by other people. Sub-letting options are usually most easily found by conducting Internet searches.
 

However, the vast majority of Switzerland rentals are still handled by letting agencies. The process of renting property in Switzerland through an estate agency is as follows:

• After identifying the house you're interested in, you will fill out the letting agency's application form. Due to stiff competition, you will be asked to provide them with (what might seem to be) a lot of personal information, including employment and financial stability guarantees, and personal references from previous landlords and/or work colleagues. Although it sounds like something more befitting a banana republic than a modern European state, the practice of including a gift for your prospective landlord in your application package is becoming increasingly commonplace
• It might take up to two or even three months before you hear back about your rental application; however, if you are successful, you will need to pay the first month's rent upfront, as well as anything from another month's rent to three month's rent as (refundable) deposit money. A thorough inspection and an inventory of the property will be made – make sure to leave your apartment in as good (or better) condition than you found it, so you receive all your deposit money back (it could be as much CHF 5,000)
• Lease agreements are usually signed on a 12-month basis. Should you wish to terminate your contract, you will have to do so at times of the year (usually March or September) previously stipulated in the contract. You will also have to give at least three month's notice.
   

You will, in all likelihood, be responsible for your own gas, water and electricity bills while in Switzerland. These are sent out every three months or so.
 

Buying Property in Switzerland

It is legal, though difficult and expensive, for expats with a Type C Residence Permit to buy property in Switzerland.  Foreign nationals without a Type C Residence Permit may also purchase property, but are subject to numerous restrictions on the type and location of the property they are allowed to buy.
 

Property prices in Switzerland are varied – ranging from CHF 100,000 for a bachelor flat, to CHF 400,000 for a three-room apartment, and well over a million for a stand-alone family house. Price is affected by area, and good deals may be sought.
 

Mortgages are available from Swiss banks – but usually for only up to about 70 percent of the purchase price. On the plus side, the average mortgage rate is low (under 5 percent), and there are tax incentives for residents looking to purchase their own homes.