Are you interested in living out on the Swiss countryside where you can enjoy a peaceful way of life? You may be interested in a farmhouse rental, which can be the ideal choice as opposed to having to scrape up the money for a purchase. A farmhouse for rent can be tricky to find, so you need to locate the best source

of information. At ImmoScout24, we can help you find the right place in the best location. You can rent a farmhouse and that will allow you to enjoy a countryside treasure without the high cost of buying a home.

Renting a farmhouse in Switzerland

A rented farmhouse offers plenty of space, character – and often even outbuildings that can be used for hobbies, small-scale food production or as offices. It is suitable for families, couples and nature lovers. The housing market is under pressure: the overall vacancy rate is 1.01%, with 0.72% of 5-room flats standing vacant and a vacancy rate of 0.84% for flats with more than 5 rooms. At the same time, the population changed by 1.54%, to 9'051'029, within 3 years, further fuelling demand for housing.

At a glance: renting a farmhouse

• Plenty of space and a unique quality of life; often comes with a garden and outbuildings

• Suitable for families, multiple generations and working from home

• Possible restrictions in agricultural zones (Spatial Planning Act, cantonal building law)

• Tenancy law according to the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR): deposit of up to three months’ rent, utilities are clearly regulated

• Disadvantages: often higher heating and maintenance costs, longer commutes

Market overview for farmhouses to let in Switzerland

Large properties are hard to come by: the overall vacancy rate in the housing market is 1.01%. It is 0.72% for 5-room flats, and 0.84% of flats with more than 5 rooms are vacant. These figures indicate that spacious rental properties – such as many farmhouses – are rarely available. Over the past five years, 61'659 new flats have been built in Switzerland, including 26'158 with five rooms and 10'938 with at least six rooms. New construction activity tends to focus on smaller units, so the supply of large rental properties has only increased slightly. With the population changing to 9'051'029 (up by 3.57% in three years), demand for housing remains stable.

What are the costs of renting a farmhouse?

The rent depends on the location, condition, living space and additional areas. Utility costs (heating, water/sewage, rubbish collection) are often comparatively high, especially if the property is heated using an oil- or wood-based system. In addition, you should expect to pay a deposit of up to three months’ rent. Your tax burden will naturally affect your budget; taxes vary based on the canton and your personal situation. The average tax burden is 12.38%. Examples: a single person without children pays 17.6% in tax, while a married couple with two children pays 7.96%.

A step-by-step guide to deciding whether renting a farmhouse is right for you

1. Define your requirements: number of rooms, outbuildings, garden, office, keeping animals.

2. Set your budget: rent, utilities, deposit and moving costs.

3. Assess the location: access/connected utilities, public transport, shopping, broadband, snow clearance.

4. Clarify legal issues: agricultural zone, listed building status; tenancy agreement in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR), utilities, pet clauses.

5. Assess the condition of the property: year of construction, energy, damp, any necessary renovations.

6. Provide documents: current credit report, proof of income, references.

Next steps

Start your search with precise filters for the number of rooms, location and budget. Arrange viewings and review the land registry, building permits and tenancy agreement clauses (notice periods, reference interest rate, utilities). Submit a complete application and secure your farmhouse.