Buy & Rent Property in Neuchâtel: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Neuchâtel known for?
Neuchâtel is located in the canton of Neuchatel. Neuchâtel is known for its lakeside setting on Lake Neuchâtel, its historic old town and its role as an administrative and university city in western Switzerland. It combines a French-speaking cultural identity with a strong local tradition in watchmaking, science and public institutions. Buyers are often drawn to Neuchâtel for its established urban character, scenic setting and steady residential appeal.
What does the Neuchâtel property market look like?
Neuchâtel’s property market is shaped by a limited supply of well-located homes and demand from both local households and buyers seeking a lakeside city lifestyle.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 885,000 CHF
- This is 8,7 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 689,749 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,161,875 CHF or below.
- House: 1,300,000 CHF
- This is 3,1 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 1,040,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,695,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,437 CHF
- This is 12,9 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,140 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,750 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-neuchatel
Tax rates
Neuchâtel has a general tax charge of 15,29 %. This compares with 15,77 % for canton Neuchatel and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 21 %
- Married couple without children: 14,39 %
- Couple with children: 10,49 %
- Married pensioner: 19,24 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 18,075 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 33,420 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 38,750 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 12,995 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 25,385 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: 1,05 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 26,191
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 604 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 45,309, with a foreigner rate of 32,94 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 72,840 CHF. This is 11 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 2,51 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 56 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 12 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 48 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 Neuchâtel?
Daily life in Neuchâtel centres on the lake, the old town and the surrounding hills, with walking areas, viewpoints and outdoor leisure close at hand. The city offers museums, cultural venues, cafés and restaurants, together with the practical services expected of a cantonal centre. Its size gives it a more relaxed rhythm than a large city while still providing a complete urban everyday life.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Neuchâtel suit different buyer profiles depending on whether the priority is lake access, central convenience or a quieter residential setting. Buyers often compare hillside neighbourhoods, central districts and lakeside areas when choosing between views, walkability and access to services.
- Centre-ville
- A good fit for buyers who want walkable access to shops, cafés, services and the historic core.
- Serrières
- Popular with buyers looking for a practical residential area with a lakeside setting and good everyday convenience.
- Peseux
- Suitable for households seeking a quieter suburban feel while remaining close to the city.
- La Coudre
- Often attractive to buyers who value a more residential environment, hillside outlooks and access to green surroundings.
Data from: June 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.