Buy & Rent Property in Basel: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Basel known for?
Basel is located in the canton of Basel-City. Basel is known for its position on the Rhine, its long tradition in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors, and its strong cultural identity. The city combines a historic centre, major museums, international business activity and easy cross-border movement, which gives it a distinctly cosmopolitan character. It also appeals to buyers who value a stable, well-established urban market with a strong local economy.
What does the Basel property market look like?
Basel's property market is shaped by steady demand, limited inner-city supply and interest from both local households and internationally mobile professionals.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 995,000 CHF
- This is 21,3 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 695,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,475,000 CHF or below.
- House: 1,835,000 CHF
- This is 44,5 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 1,400,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 2,500,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,580 CHF
- This is 5 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,280 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,940 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-basel
Price development
- Apartment (Buy):
- Since last quarter: 0,0 %
- Since last year: 0,5 %
- House (Buy):
- Since last quarter: -0,3 %
- Since last year: -0,5 %
- Apartment (Rent):
- Since last quarter: 0,6 %
- Since last year: 1,9 %
Tax rates
Basel has a general tax charge of 11,7 %. This compares with 10,97 % for canton Basel-City and 12,24 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 16,86 %
- Married couple without children: 10,38 %
- Couple with children: 7,4 %
- Married pensioner: 15,58 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 14,660 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 27,400 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 31,725 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 8,395 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 19,630 CHF
Note: Tax rates shown are indicative only and may be inaccurate; consult a qualified tax advisor for advice specific to your situation.
Availability
- Housing supply
- Vacancy rate: 0,78 % (Swiss average: 0,94 %)
- Total apartments: 105,752
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 2,802 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 180,097, with a foreigner rate of 40,47 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 89,660 CHF. This is 9,5 % higher than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 2,28 % (Swiss average: 1,45 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 22 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 22 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 12 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 12 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Basel?
Daily life in Basel centres on the Rhine, neighbourhood life and a rich cultural calendar. Residents make regular use of riverside promenades, parks, museums, theatres and a wide range of restaurants, while the compact urban layout makes it easy to combine work, leisure and everyday errands. The city also offers a good balance between urban living and quick access to surrounding countryside.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Basel suit different buyer profiles depending on whether they prioritise centrality, family life, quieter streets or stronger urban character. Established central quarters often suit buyers who want city living and short distances, while more residential districts appeal to those looking for a calmer environment and practical amenities.
- Grossbasel
- Popular with buyers who want a central address, historic surroundings and close access to shopping, culture and the Rhine.
- Kleinbasel
- A good fit for buyers who prefer a more urban, mixed neighbourhood with a lively atmosphere and close links to the city centre.
- Gundeldingen
- Often favoured by commuters and households looking for a practical residential district with good everyday amenities and a strong local feel.
- St. Alban
- Suits buyers seeking an established, quieter residential area with a more refined character and proximity to green space.
Data from: September 2026
Note: The market for apartments for sale can change rapidly, so it is always advisable to check with local real estate experts/agents for the latest developments.