Whether you need to rent an office for find another type of commercial property, you will want to find the right space. If you own a commercial building and you want to rent office space, you need to find interested parties as well. ImmoScout24 can help you in either situation. We offer a comprehensive database of business rental properties so that you can consider a number of factors,

like size, location, amenities, and other details. If you are a real estate investor interested in offering a business rental, we can find the appropriate place on our site to list your property. If you need to rent an office, a warehouse, or other type of property, then we are here to help you as well.

Renting office space, commercial property, industrial property in Switzerland

A good commercial property is more than just a space: it’s an address, a calling card and the beating heart of the production process. Whether you need an office for focused teamwork, a shop for customers or a quiet logistics hub for 24/7 operations – here, you will find versatile properties for everything from co-working to industrial manufacturing. Hybrid work, omni-channel retail and ESG standards are shaping demand for more compact, efficient offices, high-traffic retail locations and well-connected logistics centres.

Office space and commercial property at a glance

• Suitable for companies, practices, retail, trades, logistics and industry

• Advantages: good public transport/motorway connections, adaptable layout, negotiable terms

• Possible disadvantages: longer contract terms, permits and restrictions

• Options: co-working, partial spaces, subletting (depends on the lease agreement)

Market overview for office space, commercial properties and industrial properties in Switzerland

In cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern, centrally located, efficient offices with low energy consumption are in demand; classic open-plan spaces are often being scaled down in favour of more versatile layouts. Sustainability standards (e.g. Minergie) make properties more attractive and reduce operating costs. In the retail sector, high-traffic locations and mixed-use neighbourhoods are important. Industrial and logistics spaces benefit from e-commerce and good motorway/rail connections. Vacancy rates and rents vary greatly depending on the location and use of the property; more remote locations often offer larger spaces at lower prices, while prime locations are expensive and hard to come by.

What are the rental costs?

Typically, tenants pay a net rent per square metre per month, plus utilities (heating, water, building maintenance, communal electricity). Electricity/internet and cleaning are often billed separately. Commercial rents are generally exempt from VAT; however, landlords can opt to charge VAT. Security deposits (deposit/bank guarantee) are common. Contract models: index-linked rent (National Consumer Price Index, LIK) or graduated rent. Rental costs are tax-deductible as business expenses; keep in mind that each canton handles this differently. Plan your budget for removals, tenant-specific renovations, permits (e.g. change of use, fire protection (Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers, VKF)) and furnishings.

A step-by-step guide to choosing the right property

1. Define your requirements: space, use, fit-out, rental term.

2. Analyse the location: proximity to customers, employees, public transport/motorway, delivery logistics.

3. Check building regulations: zoning, change of use, permits, noise protection.

4. Clarify budget and contract: rent, utilities, index-linking, notice periods, subletting (Swiss Code of Obligations, OR).

5. Technical checks: electrical load, IT, fire protection, goods handling, accessibility.

6. Prepare documents: commercial registry entry, credit report, annual financial statement/business plan.

Next steps

Start your search, bookmark your favourite properties and schedule viewings. Review the rental agreement and permits early on, obtain quotes for removals and refurbishment, and submit complete documentation.