Buy & Rent Property in Zurich: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Zurich known for?
Zurich is located in the canton of Zurich. Zurich is Switzerland's largest city and its leading financial and economic centre, attracting professionals, entrepreneurs, students and international residents from around the world. Beyond its business reputation, the city is known for its historic Old Town, Lake Zurich, the Limmat River and an extensive public transport network. Buyers looking for long-term value often choose Zurich for its strong labour market, international outlook and consistently high demand for housing.
What does the Zurich property market look like?
Zurich has one of Switzerland's most competitive residential property markets, driven by limited housing supply and sustained demand from both owner-occupiers and investors.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 1,764,315 CHF
- This is 116,6 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 1,330,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 2,350,000 CHF or below.
- House: 2,600,000 CHF
- This is 106,2 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 1,997,714 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 3,595,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 2,282 CHF
- This is 38,3 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,709 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 2,940 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-zurich
Tax rates
Zurich has a general tax charge of 10,49 %. This compares with 9,98 % for canton Zurich and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 15,02 %
- Married couple without children: 9,59 %
- Couple with children: 6,43 %
- Married pensioner: 13,8 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 12,075 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 24,305 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 27,770 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 6,860 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 15,945 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: 0,1 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 237,386
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 11,242 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 436,551, with a foreigner rate of 33,99 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 93,595 CHF. This is 14,3 % higher than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 1,73 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 19 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 19 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 Zurich?
Daily life in Zurich combines urban convenience with easy access to nature. Residents enjoy Lake Zurich, the Limmat River, public bathing areas, parks, museums, theatres and one of Switzerland's most diverse restaurant scenes. The city's compact layout and reliable public transport make commuting easy while still providing quick access to outdoor recreation throughout the year.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Zurich appeal to different types of buyers depending on lifestyle and priorities. Central districts suit buyers who want walkability and urban living, while more established residential quarters appeal to families and purchasers looking for quieter surroundings. Areas closer to the lake or with strong transport links are particularly relevant for buyers prioritising lifestyle or commuting convenience.
- Wiedikon (Kreis 3)
- Popular with young professionals thanks to its cafés, restaurants and lively neighbourhood atmosphere.
- Unterstrass (Kreis 6)
- A well-established residential district offering proximity to universities, parks and family-friendly amenities.
- Oerlikon (Kreis 11)
- A fast-growing urban centre with excellent public transport connections, modern housing developments and strong value for commuters.
- Seefeld
- One of Zurich's premium residential areas, known for its proximity to Lake Zurich and high-end apartments.
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.