Renting a medical practice gives you the opportunity to work in a professional and welcoming environment. Bright rooms with state-of-the-art infrastructure ensure that both you and your patients feel completely comfortable. Whether you’re looking for a group practice or an individual one, we offer a wide selection of spaces that provide flexibility and adaptability to meet your specific needs.

Of course, there are some challenges to consider. The location of your practice plays a crucial role in patient accessibility, making good transport links and ample parking essential. Additionally, outfitting and customizing the space to meet medical standards may involve additional costs.

Renting a medical practice in Switzerland

As rentals, medical practices include doctor’s and dentist’s surgeries, therapist’s offices and other healthcare spaces. They are suitable for established practices, start-ups and joint ventures. Demand is high in urban areas; in more remote locations, visibility and accessibility are important. You benefit from flexibility without tying up capital in property.

At a glance: renting a medical practice

• Suitable for medical and therapeutic services with patient traffic

• Advantages: central locations, good public transport connections, versatile floor plans

• Aspects to keep in mind: conversion costs, permits, noise and fire protection

• Plan the hygiene zones and accessibility of the property at an early stage (SIA 500: barrier-free construction)

Market overview for medical practices in Switzerland

The Swiss population has changed to 9'051'029 over the past three years (+3.57%; population statistics). In combination with the country’s low unemployment rate of 1.47%, this fuels demand for healthcare services. The vacancy rate for flats is 1.01% (housing market), which indicates a general shortage of space, especially in city centres. Over the past five years, 235'897 flats have been built (new builds, housing market) – the focus on residential space means that medical practices are often created through conversions and high-end renovations. Trends include local provision of medical care, group practices, energy-efficient buildings and flexible rental models.

What are the costs of renting a medical practice?

The rental price consists of the net rent plus utilities (heating, water, communal electricity, building maintenance and other operating costs). If the landlord opts for VAT, the tenant may have to pay VAT on rent and utility costs. Rents linked to the National Consumer Price Index (LIK) and security deposits are common for rentals. Make sure to budget additional funds for tenant-specific improvements, building permits/conversion, medical technology, IT, furnishings, relocation and potentially restoring the property to its original state. Tax implications depend on the legal form of your business – please consult an accountant/tax consultant.

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

1. Define your requirements: medical specialisation, floor space, room layout, accessibility, hygiene.

2. Assess the location: catchment area, visibility, public transport, parking, competition.

3. Set your budget: rent range, utility costs, fit-out and costs of restoring the property to its original state.

4. Clarify permits: zoning compliance, conversion, fire protection in accordance with the specifications of the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF), noise protection.

5. Negotiate the lease: duration, index-linking, VAT option, subletting, notice periods (Swiss Code of Obligations – business premises).

6. Technical due diligence: load capacity, sound insulation, indoor air quality, energy, waste disposal.

Next steps

Start searching for medical practices, set locations as favourites and activate notifications for your saved searches. Arrange viewings, assess layouts and review any plans requiring permits. Have your documents ready: credit report, copy of commercial registry entry, business plan, budget, proof of insurance and, if necessary, cantonal health permits. Our published market expertise and document review services will help you find the perfect property.