Buy & Rent Property in Kerns: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Kerns known for?
Kerns is located in the canton of Obwalden. Kerns is a municipality in the Sarneraatal, known for its rural character, working farms and access to the surrounding alpine landscape. It is also associated with the Melchsee-Frutt area, which makes it relevant to buyers looking for a base near mountain recreation.
What does the Kerns property market look like?
Kerns has a largely residential property market with a strong local character and limited supply, especially for houses in a traditional village setting.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 845,000 CHF
- This is 3,8 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 690,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,098,250 CHF or below.
- House: 1,470,000 CHF
- This is 16,6 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 950,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,975,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,875 CHF
- This is 13,6 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,610 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 2,180 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-kerns
Tax rates
Kerns has a general tax charge of 11,13 %. This compares with 11,14 % for canton Obwalden and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 14,11 %
- Married couple without children: 10,51 %
- Couple with children: 7,94 %
- Married pensioner: 14,16 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 12,465 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 22,020 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 26,880 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 10,000 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 18,185 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: 0,64 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 3,484
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 226 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 6,514, with a foreigner rate of 12,07 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 67,945 CHF. This is 17 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 0,4 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 120 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 20 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 72 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 15 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Kerns?
Daily life in Kerns is quiet and practical, with local services, open countryside and easy access to hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities in the surrounding area. Residents also benefit from a straightforward village environment and proximity to the wider amenities of central Switzerland.
Which lifestyles does Kerns suit?
Kerns suits buyers who want a rural Swiss lifestyle, including families seeking a calm setting, outdoor enthusiasts and purchasers looking for a second home near mountain leisure. It can also appeal to people who prefer village living over a larger urban environment.
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.