Rent a 5-bedroom-apartment
Renting a 5-room flat or larger in Switzerland
Large rental flats with 5 or more rooms offer plenty of space for families, flat shares or working from home. They are ideal for multi-generational households and tenants who need a lot of space. Demand is consistent, and availability is limited, so you should plan viewings as quickly as possible.
At a glance: flats with 5 or more rooms
Number of flats: 442'814
Vacancy rate: 0.84%
New flats built in the last 5 years: 10'938
Average price: CHF 802'000
Median price: CHF 567'500
Top quartile price: CHF 1'211'865
Median monthly rent: CHF 1640
Bottom quartile rent: CHF 1300
Top quartile rent: CHF 2070
Suitable for families, working from home and hobbies requiring additional space
Flexible floor plans, often with a separate study or guest room
Higher rent and utilities than for smaller flats
Limited supply: vacancy rates of 0.72% (5 rooms) and 0.84% (>5 rooms)
Market overview: 5-room flats or larger in Switzerland
- The vacancy rate for 5-room flats is 0.72%.
- The vacancy rate for 6-room flats or larger is 0.84%.
- The total number of 5-room flats is 715'989.
- The total number of 6-room flats or larger is 442'814.
- In the last 5 years, 26'158 new 5-room flats have been added.
- In the last 5 years, 10'938 new 6-room flats or larger have been added.
- The average price for a 5-room flat is CHF 802'000, ranging from CHF 567'500 to CHF 1'211'865.
- The average price for a 6-room flat or larger is CHF 802'000, ranging from CHF 567'500 to CHF 1'211'865.
- The median monthly rent for a 5-room flat is CHF 1640, with a quarter renting for CHF 1300 or less and three quarters for CHF 2070 or less.
- The median monthly rent for a 6-room flat or larger is CHF 1640, with a quarter renting for CHF 1300 or less and three quarters for CHF 2070 or less.
- The tax burden for a married couple with 2 children and a gross income of CHF 175k is 12.38%.
- The tax burden for a married couple with 2 children and a gross income of CHF 125k is 12.38%.
- The tax burden for a childless married couple with a gross income of CHF 200k is 12.38%.
- The tax burden for a childless single person with a gross income of CHF 150k is 12.38%.
- The tax burden for a childless single person with a gross income of CHF 100k is 12.38%.
The total housing stock in Switzerland comprises 4'840'096 flats. In the last 5 years, 26'158 new 5-room flats and 10'938 flats with at least 6 rooms have been built. The vacancy rate is 1.01% across all flats; 0.72% of 5-room flats are vacant, as are 0.84% of flats with more than 5 rooms. These figures indicate that large flats are rare.
What costs are associated with 5-room flats and larger?
In addition to the monthly rent, there are utilities (e.g. heating, water, building maintenance), usually paid as provisional advance payments with a final annual bill in accordance with tenancy law. A deposit of up to three months’ rent is customary. Insurance (household contents, liability) and, if applicable, parking space rental should also be included in the budget. The average tax burden is 12.38%; actual tax paid varies based on income, marital status and canton. You should also factor in the costs of moving, final cleaning and furnishing. Check the rental agreement for provisions on utilities and rent adjustments (e.g. based on the reference interest rate).
A step-by-step guide to deciding whether a large flat is right for you
Define your needs: number of rooms, size, budget, commuting distances.
Assess the location: public transport, schools, shopping, tax burden in the canton.
Prepare your application: credit report, proof of income, ID, voluntary disclosure of personal details.
Analyse the floor plan and utility costs; read the tenancy agreement carefully.
Go to the viewing, draw up a walk-through checklist documenting the state of the property at handover and make a note of any issues.
Take a decision, pay the deposit, take out insurance, plan your move.
Next steps
Start your search for flats with 5 or more rooms, set up notifications for your search and arrange viewings as soon as possible. Check over your application documents, clarify the utilities and potential rent adjustments, and submit a complete application to increase your chances.
