If you are ready to start searching for a 1 bedroom apartment sale in Switzerland, then you have different ways to approach your search. You could turn to the newspapers, but that is time consuming and frustrating. The better option is to make use of the Internet through ImmoScout24.

You can easily search for apartments that appeal specifically to you. You can filter your search by price, location, amenities, and other details. If you are ready to buy a 1 bedroom apartment, then your search starts here with extensive databases and bulletin boards to help you with a much easier search.

Buying a 1-room flat in Switzerland

A 1-room flat is a compact solution for urban living. It is suitable for singles, commuters, students and as a first step onto the property ladder. Investors also benefit from good letting potential and manageable maintenance costs. Minimalists will enjoy the comfort of these small spaces.

One-room flats: the most important information at a glance

• Suitable for personal use and as an investment

• Low entry price and low ongoing expenses

• High demand in cities and university regions

• Limited space and storage – ideal for minimalist living

• Short-term rentals only in accordance with municipal regulations and the rules governing individually owned flats within blocks of flats (STWEG)

Market overview for 1-room flats in Switzerland

Current market situation:

• Total number of 1-room flats: 315'987
• Vacancy rate for 1-room flats: 1.27%
• Average price for a 1-room flat: CHF 802'000

Development over the last 5 years:

• New 1-room flats built: 13'442
• Housing growth for 1-room flats: 235'897%

Rental market:

• Median monthly rent for 1-room flats: CHF 1640
• 25th percentile rent: CHF 1300
• 75th percentile rent: CHF 2070

Demographics:

• Unemployment rate: 1.47%
• Average yearly income: CHF 81'875
• Population change over the last 5 years: 3.57%
• Foreigner rate: 27.4%

Taxation:

• Rate of taxation for married pensioners: 15.97%
• Rate of taxation for couples with children: 7.96%
• Rate of taxation for childless couples: 11.5%
• Rate of taxation for single individuals: 17.6%
• Tax burden: 12.38%

Travel times:

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• Average travel time by private transport (MIT) to the nearest major center: {travel_time_by_mit_to_nearest_major_center} minutes
• Average travel time by public transport (OEV) to the nearest agglomeration center: {travel_time_by_oev_to_nearest_agglomeration_center} minutes
• Average travel time by private transport (MIT) to the nearest agglomeration center: {travel_time_by_mit_to_nearest_agglomeration_center} minutes

Education:

• Percentage with no information on education: 0.11%
• Percentage with a university degree: 22.03%
• Percentage with higher vocational education: 15.43%
• Percentage with a school leaving certificate or vocational apprenticeship: 42.09%
• Percentage with compulsory schooling: 20.35%

There are 315'987 existing one-room flats in Switzerland. Over the last five years, 13'442 new one-room flats have been built – significantly fewer than the two-room (52'510) and three-room (71'190) flats built during the same time period, so there are fewer small flats in the pipeline. The vacancy rate is 1.27% – slightly above the overall vacancy rate of 1.01%. This means availability is slightly better, although options in prime locations remain limited. With the population of Switzerland changing, demand remains stable, especially in urban centres.

Costs involved in buying a one-room flat

The total price consists of the purchase price and ancillary purchase costs. Factors such as the location, year of construction, condition of the property, energy efficiency, storey, and balcony or terrace will also have an impact on the price. In addition, there are notary and land registry fees to be paid; depending on the canton, the purchase may also be subject to a transfer tax. For individually owned flats within blocks of flats (STWEG), contributions to the renovation fund and communal utility costs will need to be included in the budget. Financing usually involves a deposit and a mortgage; affordability is the decisive factor. For tax purposes, owner-occupiers pay tax on the imputed rental value of their property, while investors pay tax on rental income, can deduct maintenance costs and – depending on the canton – may pay a capital gains tax on the sale.

A step-by-step guide to deciding whether a one-room flat is right for you

1. Define your goal and requirements: personal use or investment, furnished or unfurnished.

2. Set your budget and obtain confirmation of financing.

3. Check out the location: public transport, proximity to work, universities, tax implications.

4. Review property documents: floor plan, building specifications, energy performance certificate, rules governing the property (STWEG), and records and reports.

5. Clarify legal issues: copy of the land registry entry, building rights/leasehold; check tenancy agreements for rented properties.

6. Calculate profitability: total costs, market rent, vacancy risk.

Next steps

Start searching for suitable studios today. We have listings from all over Switzerland. Arrange viewings, request documents such as floor plans and the rules governing the property (STWEG), and clarify the financing. This will enable you to take informed decisions and quickly find your own one-room flat.