Renting a chalet offers you a unique living experience that combines a connection to nature with coziness. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can enjoy the tranquility of the mountains here, often with a breathtaking view of untouched landscapes. This type of home stands for tradition and comfort, with rustic wooden elements and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

But living in a chalet also comes with its challenges. In a remote location, you need to rely on good planning, especially in the winter months when access roads can be snowed in. It’s also important to keep the heating under control, as the cold temperatures in the mountains can quickly get to your bones. All in all, a chalet is the perfect choice for nature lovers and those who value an authentic, alpine living experience.

Renting a chalet in Switzerland

A chalet combines alpine charm with privacy and plenty of space – ideal for families, couples and remote workers who want to live close to nature. The high demand for housing means the market is competitive, so there is intense pressure in sought-after locations.

Renting a chalet: benefits and ideal tenants at a glance

• Plenty of space, a garden and privacy – ideal for families and long-term tenants

• Close to nature, often with views and access to leisure activities

• Quiet living, usually in areas with low population density

• Aspects to keep in mind: higher utility costs (heating, snow clearance), sometimes difficult to access in winter

Market overview: chalets to let in Switzerland

The housing stock in Switzerland comprises a total of 4'840'096 flats; the vacancy rate for flats is 1.01%. For large flats with more than five rooms, the vacancy rate is 0.84%. These figures specifically refer to flats, but they also indicate that spacious properties are in short supply – and this holds true for detached chalets, as well. Over the last five years, 235'897 new flats have been built – predominantly smaller units, which has further reduced the supply of large rental properties. The average monthly rent for rental properties is CHF 1640 (25% of properties on offer are priced at CHF 1300 or less, and 75% at CHF 2070 or less). Rental prices for chalets in prime locations often exceed these benchmarks.

Costs of renting a chalet: what to include in your budget

The rent plus utilities (Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art. 257a: utilities must be stated in the contract), which usually include heating/hot water, water/sewage, chimney sweeping (depending on the property), snow clearance and potentially also TV/internet. The deposit may be up to three months’ rent and is held in an escrow account (OR 257e). Plan for Serafe licence fees, moving costs, furnishing and insurance (liability/household contents). In tourist regions, municipal taxes or visitor’s taxes may apply for second home use. According to available data, the average tax burden is 12.38% (average value); your actual tax burden will depend on your income, family situation and canton of residence.

Renting a chalet in 6 steps

1. Define your requirements: number of rooms, usable space, home office, pets.

2. Set your budget: rent, utilities, deposit, snow clearance fund.

3. Compare regions: public transport connections, winter access, avalanche and slope locations, shopping facilities.

4. Provide documents: credit report, proof of income, ID.

5. Viewing and inspection: condition of the building, insulation/heating, notice periods in the tenancy agreement, subletting in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR) Art. 262, pets, additional costs.

6. Clearly document the handover: report, meter readings, keys.

Next steps: set up a targeted search for chalets

Start with precise filters (rooms, location, budget) and turn on notifications for your saved searches. Plan several viewings, compare utility costs and review documents promptly. Foreign nationals are allowed to rent chalets; the Lex Koller (Federal Act on Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad) applies to purchases. Our portal supports you by providing market data and checklists covering all your needs until the tenancy agreement is ready to be signed.