Rent a 1-bedroom-apartment
Renting a 1-room flat in Switzerland
A 1-room flat or studio offers compact living space for singles, students or commuters, or it can serve as a second home. In addition to the living area, 1-room flats usually include a separate sleeping area, kitchen and bathroom. Studio flats, on the other hand, often combine the kitchen, living and sleeping areas in one room. Demand is consistent; 13'442 new-build one-room flats have been added over the last five years. Overall, the selection is modest and varies from region to region.
At a glance: 1-room flats
Number of 1-room flats: 315'987
Vacancy rate: 1.27%
New 1-room flats in the last 5 years: 13'442
Travel time by public transport to nearest major center: {travel_time_by_oev_to_nearest_major_center} minutes
Travel time by private transport to nearest major center: {travel_time_by_mit_to_nearest_major_center} minutes
Travel time by public transport to nearest agglomeration center: {travel_time_by_oev_to_nearest_agglomeration_center} minutes
Travel time by private transport to nearest agglomeration center: {travel_time_by_mit_to_nearest_agglomeration_center} minutes
Unemployment rate: 1.47%
Average yearly income: CHF 81'875
Population change: 3.57%
Foreigner rate: 27.4%
Current population: 9'051'029
Price for a single-family home (25th percentile): CHF 890'000
Price for a single-family home (average): CHF 1'250'000
Price for a detached house (75th percentile): CHF 1'800'000
Price for an apartment (25th percentile): CHF 567'500
Price for an apartment (average): CHF 802'000
Price for an apartment (75th percentile): CHF 1'211'865
Rental price (25th percentile): CHF 1300
Rental price (average): CHF 1640
Rental price (75th percentile): CHF 2070
No information on education: 0.11%
University degree: 22.03%
Higher vocational education: 15.43%
School leaving certificate or vocational apprenticeship: 42.09%
Compulsory schooling: 20.35%
Married pensioner tax rate: 15.97%
Couple with children tax rate: 7.96%
Childless couple tax rate: 11.5%
Single tax rate: 17.6%
Tax burden: 12.38%
Ideal for single people, students, commuters and young professionals
Low living costs, efficient floor plan, often centrally located
Limited storage space; clever furnishing and organisation are important
Significant competition in cities, more options in outlying areas
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
Recent market trends:
- Number of new 1-room flats built in the last 5 years: 13'442
- Change in the number of 1-room flats over the last 5 years: 235'897%
Demographics and socio-economic factors:
- Average yearly income of residents in 1-room flats: CHF 81'875
- Unemployment rate among residents: 1.47%
- Percentage of residents with a university degree: 22.03%
Rental market:
- Median monthly rent for 1-room flats: CHF 1640
- 25th percentile rent: CHF 1300
- 75th percentile rent: CHF 2070
Taxation:
- Average tax burden for residents in 1-room flats: 12.38%
- Rate of taxation for single individuals: 17.6%
Future outlook:
- Predicted change in demand for 1-room flats over the next 5 years: 3.57%
- Expected changes in rental prices and vacancy rates: To be determined based on market conditions.
Note: All percentages and CHF values are approximations and subject to change based on market dynamics.
There are 315'987 one-room flats in Switzerland’s housing stock. The vacancy rate for this category is 1.27%, which is above the Swiss average of 1.3%. This indicates slightly more choice, especially outside of highly sought-after urban centres. New builds have expanded the supply: 13'442 new one-room flats have been constructed in the last five years, often geared towards singles. Demand remains high in urban locations, especially close to public transport, universities and workplaces. Housing market trends include energy-efficient renovations, good floor plans and partially furnished studios.
Costs of a one-room flat: rent and utilities
The monthly rent consists of the net rent plus utilities (e.g. heating, hot water, building maintenance), which are billed as either provisional advance payments or a flat rate. As a rough guide, for rental properties, the average monthly rent is CHF 1640; 25% of properties cost CHF 1300 or less, while 75% cost CHF 2070 or less. You should also factor in a rental deposit of up to three months’ rent (in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations), electricity, internet, insurance (household contents/liability) and the Serafe licence fee, as well as the cost of removals, cleaning and furnishing. Personal tax liability varies by canton and also depends on your personal situation; on average, it is 12.38%.
A step-by-step guide to deciding whether a one-room flat is right for you
Specify your requirements: location, public transport, floor plan, furnished yes/no, pets.
Define your budget: net rent, utilities, deposit; compare with market values.
Compile documents: credit report, proof of income, ID, references.
View the property: assess the condition, noise, heating/energy, service charge arrangements and house rules.
Review the tenancy agreement: notice periods, rental deposit, subletting, index-linked rent (National Consumer Price Index, LIK), walk-through checklist documenting the state of the property at handover.
Next steps
Start your search by setting a filter for 1-room properties. Arrange viewings at an early stage. Upload your credit report and proof of income. Review the tenancy agreement and utility costs, ask questions, and submit your complete application promptly.