Buy & Rent Property in Schaffhausen: Facts & Figures at a Glance
What is Schaffhausen known for?
Schaffhausen is located in the canton of Schaffhausen. Schaffhausen is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, the Rhine Falls nearby and its role as a regional centre for the surrounding area. It has a distinctive historic character, with fortified buildings, a compact centre and a setting that combines river scenery with everyday urban functions. For buyers, it is often considered by those who want a smaller Swiss municipality with established services and a recognisable local identity.
What does the Schaffhausen property market look like?
Schaffhausen’s property market is typically shaped by steady local demand, a manageable urban scale and interest from buyers who value characterful surroundings and practical access to daily amenities.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 720,000 CHF
- This is 11,6 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 525,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 925,000 CHF or below.
- House: 1,160,000 CHF
- This is 8 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 835,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,495,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,440 CHF
- This is 12,7 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,200 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,760 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-schaffhausen
Tax rates
Schaffhausen has a general tax charge of 9,93 %. This compares with 10,42 % for canton Schaffhausen and 12,38 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 14,27 %
- Married couple without children: 9,3 %
- Couple with children: 6,24 %
- Married pensioner: 13,01 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 11,905 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 23,120 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 26,505 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 125,000 CHF income): 6,605 CHF
- Married couple (2 children, 175,000 CHF income): 15,155 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: 0,46 % (Swiss average: 1,01 %)
- Total apartments: 20,874
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 792 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 38,964, with a foreigner rate of 31,17 %.
- Income: Average yearly income: 71,425 CHF. This is 12,8 % lower than the Swiss average (Swiss average: 81,875 CHF).
- Employment: Unemployment rate: 1,55 % (Swiss average: 1,47 %).
Connectivity
- It takes 58 minutes to get to the nearest major city using public transport.
- It takes 13 minutes to get to the nearest regional suburban hub using public transport.
- It takes 59 minutes to drive by car to the nearest major city.
- It takes 10 minutes to drive by car to the nearest regional suburban hub.
What is daily life like in Schaffhausen?
Daily life in Schaffhausen combines a walkable historic centre with access to the Rhine, local shops and a good range of everyday services. Residents benefit from nearby nature, riverfront leisure and a cultural life rooted in the town’s historic setting. The atmosphere is generally more measured than in Switzerland’s larger cities, which appeals to buyers looking for a balanced pace of life.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Schaffhausen suit different buyer profiles, depending on whether they prioritise historic surroundings, family living or quieter residential streets. The compact structure of the municipality means many areas remain closely tied to the town centre while still offering distinct living environments.
- Altstadt
- A good fit for buyers who want historic character, central convenience and an urban lifestyle in a traditional setting.
- Breite
- Popular with families and owner-occupiers looking for a residential area with practical amenities and a more settled neighbourhood feel.
- Herblingen
- Suited to buyers who prefer a quieter suburban environment with a mix of housing types and straightforward everyday access.
- Buchthalen
- Attractive to those looking for a calmer residential setting with established housing and good access to the wider municipality.
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.