Finding an apartment step by step
From setting a rent budget to creating a search alert and submitting your application: these six steps guide you through your apartment search. Comparis shows you what to prepare and when, and how to spot a questionable listing.
Where are you in your search?
Choose the starting point that matches your situation.
Step 1: Is moving worth it for you?
Moving isn’t always worth it. Compare what you pay today with what your preferred area costs, and factor in the cost of moving. Comparis shows you where to find the figures.
Step 2: Prepare your budget and documents
Before you start looking at listings, be clear about two things: how much you can afford each month and which documents an apartment application requires. Comparis shows you how to prepare both.
Step 3: Search and set up a search alert
Whoever hears about a new listing first has the edge, so set up a search alert. But don’t rely on it alone: waiting lists at housing cooperatives, notice boards and your own network can lead to apartments that never appear online.
Set up a search alert on Comparis
Create a property search alert on Comparis and get notified as soon as new listings appear.
Step 4: Read listings properly
Floor area, ancillary costs, standard of finish: these three details help you compare listings like for like. Comparis explains what they mean and how to calculate the price per square metre.
Rents and purchase prices near you
Rents and purchase prices from listings over the past five years, by town and postcode.
Step 5: Viewings
At a viewing, first impressions count on both sides. Be punctual, introduce yourself and prepare questions. Ideally, bring your documents with you.
Step 6: Apply and wait for the decision
A complete application that arrives quickly stands a better chance than a perfect one that arrives late, so submit all your documents in one go. And know what you’re signing: anyone who co-signs is liable for the full rent, even after they have moved out.
Frequently asked questions about finding an apartment
Budgetberatung Schweiz, the Swiss umbrella organisation for budget advice, recommends that housing costs, including ancillary costs, should not exceed a quarter of your net income. It explicitly mentions the common rule of thumb of one third of income, but does not endorse it. In practice, many property management companies apply the one-third rule to gross income when selecting tenants. Neither is a legal requirement.
According to the fact sheet of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC), questions about marital status, religious affiliation and nationality are generally not permitted, nor are questions about how long you have been in your current tenancy or how much rent you pay now. Questions about the type and expiry of your residence permit, however, are permitted. All prospective tenants may be asked for a copy of their debt collection register extract, but only the selected applicant may be asked for the original and proof of income. Documents from unsuccessful applications must be destroyed.
That depends heavily on the region. Across Switzerland, a rental listing stays online for 24 days on average: 12 days in the city of Zurich, 11 in Chur, 13 in Winterthur, 15 in Lucerne and 16 in the canton of Geneva. In less tight markets it takes considerably longer, for example 51 days in the canton of Jura. However, this figure measures how long a listing stays online, not how long your search will take: in tight markets, finding an apartment often takes several months and many applications.
Next stage: rental contract, rental deposit and moving in
Been offered the apartment? Next come the rental contract, rental deposit and moving in. Comparis shows you what to look out for.