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 historic old town, lakeside setting and strong ties to watchmaking, research and public administration. Its position on Lake Neuchâtel gives it a distinct regional identity, with a mix of urban life, academic influence and French-speaking culture.
What does the Neuchâtel property market look like?
The Neuchâtel property market is typically shaped by established demand, a limited supply of well-located homes and interest from both local households and buyers seeking a lakeside setting.
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 combines a compact city centre with easy access to the lake, promenades and nearby countryside. Residents benefit from museums, cultural venues, cafés and restaurants, while the old town and waterfront support a relaxed everyday rhythm. The city also appeals to people who value a smaller urban environment with nature close at hand.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Neuchâtel suit different buyer profiles, from central apartment living to quieter residential areas with more space. Proximity to the lake, the old town and hillside settings can all influence what type of home and lifestyle a buyer is looking for.
- Centre-ville
- Suitable for buyers who want to live close to shops, services, cafés and the historic core.
- Littoral
- Popular with buyers who value lakeside living, open views and a calmer residential atmosphere.
- Serrières
- A good fit for households looking for a more local neighbourhood feel with practical access to the city.
- Peseux
- Often attractive to buyers seeking a residential setting with a quieter pace while remaining close to Neuchâtel.
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.