Buy & Rent Property in Lugano: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Lugano known for?
Lugano is located in the canton of Ticino. Lugano is known for its lakeside setting, Mediterranean feel and role as Ticino's main urban and business centre. It combines Swiss infrastructure with Italian-speaking culture, a mild climate by Swiss standards and a strong appeal for buyers who want a more relaxed pace than in the larger German-speaking cities.
What does the Lugano property market look like?
Lugano's property market is shaped by demand for primary residences, second homes and high-quality apartments in well-located neighbourhoods close to the lake or the centre.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 870,000 CHF
- This is 6,8 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 600,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,293,333 CHF or below.
- House: 1,445,972 CHF
- This is 14,7 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 930,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 2,153,720 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,450 CHF
- This is 12,1 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,200 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,759 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-lugano
Tax rates
Lugano has a general tax charge of 10,75 %. This compares with 11,01 % for canton Ticino and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 16,24 %
- Married couple without children: 9,39 %
- Couple with children: 5,87 %
- Married pensioner: 14,81 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 13,500 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 26,700 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 29,850 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 4,810 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 15,660 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: 2,09 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 42,408
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 1,345 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 63,629, with a foreigner rate of 40,3 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 90,755 CHF. This is 10,8 % higher than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 1,21 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 28 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 28 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 16 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 16 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Lugano?
Daily life in Lugano centres on the lake, promenades, parks and the compact city centre, with easy access to cafés, restaurants and cultural venues. Residents also benefit from nearby hills and walking areas that make outdoor life part of the daily routine. The city offers a generally calm urban lifestyle with a distinctly southern Swiss character.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Lugano suit different buyer profiles, depending on whether they prioritise lake views, central convenience or a quieter residential setting. Buyers often compare the lakefront, hillside and more established inner-city areas when choosing a home.
- Lugano centre
- Popular with buyers who want urban convenience, walkability and access to shops, services and the cultural life of the city.
- Paradiso
- A strong fit for buyers seeking a lakeside location with good access to the centre and a residential feel close to the water.
- Castagnola
- Often chosen by buyers looking for a quieter, more exclusive setting with views and proximity to the lake and hills.
- Pregassona
- Suits families and practical buyers who want a more residential environment with everyday amenities and good access into the city.
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.