Accommodation in Zurich
Finding accommodation in Zurich is likely to be one of the greatest initial challenges that expats face.
Nearly 70 percent of the Swiss population opts to rent property, and it follows that housing in Zurich is scarce, prices are high, and expat families often have to consider the outer suburbs as an alternative to living in the city. The high demand is largely driven by a desire for proximity to business and international schooling.
Central Zurich is made up of twelve districts (Kries), which are in turn made up of one to four neighbourhoods. Expats should
take some time to familiarise themselves with each, in order to look for housing in the area that best suits their priorities.
It's important to recognise that accommodation in Zurich is not secured on a first-come, first-served basis (as it is in many other destinations). Applications are carefully reviewed by landlords and rental agencies, and the tenants that seem most qualified are selected. In this way, expats will need to provide as much information about themselves as possible to facilitate the process.
Properties are usually unfurnished, and the rent price can include extra service charges like, for example, garbage disposal. Electricity and water bills may or may not be included in the rent price; be sure to enquire which utilities are for your own account when investigating a place to rent.
Rental prices for an up-market apartment in Zurich's city centre
Currently EU residents and type-C residence permit holders (non-EU residents) can purchase property in Switzerland, provided it is intended for personal use rather than as an investment. Heavy capital gains taxes are imposed on resale profits, so speculating on property is not an attractive option in Zurich.
Nearly 70 percent of the Swiss population opts to rent property, and it follows that housing in Zurich is scarce, prices are high, and expat families often have to consider the outer suburbs as an alternative to living in the city. The high demand is largely driven by a desire for proximity to business and international schooling.
Renting property in Zurich
Central Zurich is made up of twelve districts (Kries), which are in turn made up of one to four neighbourhoods. Expats should
take some time to familiarise themselves with each, in order to look for housing in the area that best suits their priorities.It's important to recognise that accommodation in Zurich is not secured on a first-come, first-served basis (as it is in many other destinations). Applications are carefully reviewed by landlords and rental agencies, and the tenants that seem most qualified are selected. In this way, expats will need to provide as much information about themselves as possible to facilitate the process.
Properties are usually unfurnished, and the rent price can include extra service charges like, for example, garbage disposal. Electricity and water bills may or may not be included in the rent price; be sure to enquire which utilities are for your own account when investigating a place to rent.
Rental prices for an up-market apartment in Zurich's city centre
- Studio:1,200 CHF
- One bedroom: 1,800 CHF
- Two bedroom: 2,400 CHF
Buying property in Switzerland
Currently EU residents and type-C residence permit holders (non-EU residents) can purchase property in Switzerland, provided it is intended for personal use rather than as an investment. Heavy capital gains taxes are imposed on resale profits, so speculating on property is not an attractive option in Zurich.
