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 lakeside setting, its historic old town and its role as an administrative and university centre in western Switzerland. It has a distinctly French-speaking character, with a strong cultural identity, access to Lake Neuchâtel and a quieter pace than the country’s largest cities. Buyers are often drawn to the area for its blend of heritage, waterfront living and access to regional employment and education.
What does the Neuchâtel property market look like?
Neuchâtel’s property market is shaped by steady local demand, a limited supply of central homes and the appeal of lakeside and hillside residential areas.
Price levels for buying and renting
Buy
The average purchase prices were:
- Apartment: 890,000 CHF
- This is 8,5 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of apartments are priced below 690,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of apartments are priced at 1,168,350 CHF or below.
- House: 1,300,000 CHF
- This is 2,4 % higher than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of houses are priced below 1,020,000 CHF.
- Around 75 % of houses are priced at 1,700,000 CHF or below.
Rent
The average monthly rental prices were:
- Apartment: 1,440 CHF
- This is 13,4 % lower than the Swiss average.
- Around 25 % of rental listings are priced below 1,150 CHF.
- Around 75 % of rental listings cost 1,753 CHF or less.
For a detailed breakdown, visit:
https://www.immoscout24.ch/en/property-prices-m2/city-neuchatel
Price development
- Apartment (Buy):
- Since last quarter: 0,6 %
- Since last year: 1,7 %
- House (Buy):
- Since last quarter: 0,0 %
- Since last year: 1,6 %
- Apartment (Rent):
- Since last quarter: 0,2 %
- Since last year: 1,8 %
Tax rates
Neuchâtel has a general tax charge of 15,28 %. This compares with 15,73 % for canton Neuchatel and 12,24 % nationally.
- Tax rates by household type:
- Single person without children: 20,99 %
- Married couple without children: 14,38 %
- Couple with children: 10,49 %
- Married pensioner: 19,24 %
- Example annual tax burden:
- Single (no children, 100,000 CHF income): 18,070 CHF
- Single (no children, 150,000 CHF income): 33,415 CHF
- Married couple (no children, 200,000 CHF income): 38,740 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: 1,1 % (Swiss average: 0,94 %)
- Total apartments: 26,274
- Housing growth over the last 5 years: 639 new apartments have been introduced to the market.
Demographics & economy
- Population: 45,466, with a foreigner rate of 32,95 %.
- 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: 1,45 %).
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 is shaped by the lake, the historic centre and a compact urban layout that makes everyday errands and leisure easy to combine. Residents benefit from cultural institutions, restaurants, cafés, waterfront walks and green spaces, while the nearby Jura foothills provide access to nature and outdoor activities. The city offers a calm, well-balanced lifestyle that appeals to both professionals and households seeking a more measured pace.
Which neighbourhoods fit different lifestyles?
Different parts of Neuchâtel suit different buyer profiles, from central apartments close to amenities to more residential settings with views and quieter surroundings. The most suitable area often depends on whether a buyer prioritises heritage character, lake access, family comfort or easier commuting.
- Centre-ville
- Good for buyers who want walkable access to shops, cafés, services and the historic core, with the convenience of central urban living.
- Serrières
- Popular with buyers looking for a residential area by the lake and close to established local amenities.
- Peseux
- Suits families and commuters who prefer a quieter residential setting with practical connections to the city.
- Hauterive
- Attractive to buyers seeking a more exclusive lakeside environment and a calmer atmosphere near the water.
Data from: September 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.