Why is renting housing in Switzerland becoming an increasingly difficult task?

The situation with housing rentals in Switzerland

In Switzerland, more than 60% of the population does not own an apartment and is forced to rent one. The proportion of renters is particularly high in major cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, and Basel.

According to the Berner Zeitung, around 50,000 new housing units are created in the country each year, but this volume is clearly insufficient to meet the needs of the population. The vacancy rate for apartments in cities is less than 1%, which creates huge competition among those looking to rent. The situation is so tense that often the principle "first come, first served" applies. Additionally, it should be noted that in some Swiss regions, foreigners may be prohibited from purchasing real estate, making renting particularly relevant.

Rental prices

Regarding rent, according to data from the Numbeo portal, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the central areas of Geneva and Zurich is about 1800 francs per month (approximately 1700 euros). In comparison, similar apartments in cities like Paris and Madrid can be rented for 1100 and 700 euros, respectively.

In Geneva and Zurich, apartments by the water are sometimes available, which can provide space for a boat. These properties are generally more expensive compared to regular apartments on the market.“The situation in the rental housing market is extremely tense, especially for one- and two-bedroom apartments. The demand for housing in the price range of 2000–3000 francs remains high.”“,” said Sabine Berlocher from the Active Relocation agency.

Housing search

The process of searching for an apartment in Switzerland can take a considerable amount of time. Sometimes independent attempts to find housing have stretched to eight months. To speed up this process, many turn to real estate agencies for help, but this can also mean significant expenses.

According to The Local, some companies may charge a commission equal to two months' rent.

Requirements for tenants

As for the requirements imposed on tenants, they can often be quite strict. For example:

• The demand for housing in Switzerland often exceeds its supply.
• Austrian graduate student Stefan Weisenbock tried to rent an apartment and submitted 20 applications to different landlords before one of them agreed.
• People with low incomes face challenges when searching for housing, even if they can afford to pay rent.

Owners are understanding of the situation when 30 applicants are vying for one apartment. In this case, the decisive factors in choosing a tenant usually include their income level. Many landlords follow the rule that the rent should not exceed one-third of the tenant's income. Additionally, owners often require a deposit equal to three months' rent, which also complicates the process of securing housing for many potential tenants.

Challenges of renting housing in Switzerland

In recent years, the rental situation in Switzerland has become significantly more complicated, and many people are experiencing real stress trying to find a suitable place to live. The criteria set by landlords are often so strict that not everyone who wants to can meet them.

For example, if you want to rent an apartment that costs 2000 Swiss francs, your monthly income should be at least 6000 francs (which is over 5700 euros), and you will also need to provide the same amount as a deposit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that renting a home in Switzerland is not just a matter of comfort or preference; it is a real challenge that requires attention and patience. The issue of the lack of affordable housing has become particularly acute in large cities, where the competition for every apartment is extremely high, and the demands of landlords are strict. The number of people willing to rent continues to grow, while the new apartments being put on the market do not meet this demand. This creates unique conditions in the rental market, where every successful apartment search becomes a true achievement.

Problems faced by tenants

Additionally, it is worth noting that a successful housing search requires preparation, including gathering documents and recommendations, which can play a crucial role in choosing a landlord. Many lack flexibility in their financial options, making the search process even more complicated and prolonged. I encourage potential tenants to familiarize themselves with the market in advance and be prepared for various requirements to minimize search time and increase their chances of success.

Key points for a successful housing search:

• Document preparation:Having recommendations and financial documents can increase the chances of a successful search.
• Flexible approach:The ability to adapt to various landlord requirements will help ease the rental process.
• Market research:Knowing the current trends in the rental market is an important step before starting your search.

Final thoughts

Behind every successful step towards securing housing lies meticulous work and careful preparation. I hope this material will be useful for those searching for housing in Switzerland, providing them with the tools and advice necessary to navigate this challenging process. With a supportive environment in place, tenants will be able to find comfortable living conditions despite the various difficulties that may arise.