Is your apartment just not right for you? Maybe you just don’t have enough space or you have problems with the neighbors. Whatever your situation may be, then you need to find a new apartment for rent. At ImmoScout24, you will find all types of apartment rental options to consider. You can choose to perform

an apartment search based on properties by owner or by brokers too. If you are a property owner, then ImmoScout24 can help you rent out your apartment. You can offer these rentals without commission so that you can provide options at lower prices too. It's easy to find an apartment with us.

Renting a flat in Switzerland

Rental flats in Switzerland range in size from 1 to 6 or more rooms – ideal for singles, couples and families. You benefit from flexibility without tying up capital and are protected by Switzerland’s clearly regulated tenancy law (Swiss Code of Obligations, OR). The housing market is currently under significant pressure: in Switzerland, the vacancy rate is 1.01%, while the average monthly rent for rental properties is CHF 1640.

Rental flats at a glance

• Suitable for all stages of life: from studios to large flats for families

• Security to plan for the long term: clear rules on utilities, notice periods and deposits

• Flexible relocation without tying up capital long term

• Strong demand in some city centres with low vacancy rates

Market overview for rental flats in Switzerland

The housing stock comprises 4’840’096 flats throughout Switzerland. In the last five years, 235’897 new flats have been built, with a focus on two- to four-room flats. Despite this growth, availability remains limited: the overall vacancy rate is 1.01%. Larger flats with 5 or more rooms are in particularly short supply at 0.76%, while flats with more than 5 rooms are even rarer at 0.84%. One-room flats are slightly easier to find, at 1.27%. Rents average CHF 1640 per month (a quarter of properties on offer are priced at CHF 1300 or less, and three quarters at CHF 2070 or less) – location, standard and year of construction determine the price range. The population grew by 1.54%, to 9’051’029, in three years, further fuelling demand.

What costs are associated with a rental flat?

The rent consists of the net rent and utilities. Utilities (e.g. heating, hot water, building maintenance) are billed as provisional advance payments or a flat rate; electricity, internet/TV and Serafe (licence fee) are usually billed separately. It is customary to pay a rental deposit of up to three months’ rent, which is deposited into an escrow account. When relocating, you should factor in transport, removal companies, furniture and any minor work that needs to be done to the property. There is no direct tax on rent; the average overall tax burden in Switzerland is 12.38%, but the actual rate varies depending on income, canton and family situation.

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

1. Define your requirements: number of rooms, location, public transport, commute, amenities.

2. Review your budget and prepare your documents: credit report, proof of income, references.

3. Start your search and set up notifications for your saved searches; compare the neighbourhoods you are considering.

4. Plan viewings, carefully check the floor plan and the condition of the property.

5. Submit a complete application; make sure to meet all deadlines.

6. Review the tenancy agreement: rent, utilities (provisional advance payments/flat rate), notice periods, house rules.

7. Open an escrow account for your rental deposit and draw up a walk-through checklist documenting the state of the property at handover.

Next steps

Start your search now; set up filters for your chosen criteria and activate notifications for your saved searches. Arrange viewings and complete your tenant profile. Carefully review the rental agreement and plan your move well in advance.