Finding a flat, step by step
From the rental budget to the search alert to the application: these six steps will guide you through the process of finding a flat. Comparis explains what you need to prepare and when, and how to recognise a bad listing, for example.
Where are you at the moment?
Choose the starting point that suits your situation.
Step 1: Is moving house a good idea for you?
Moving isn’t always worth it. Compare what you pay today with what your desired area costs, and add the moving costs to that. Comparis explains where to find the figures for this.
Step 2: Prepare your budget and documents
Before you look at the first listings, clarify two things: how much you can afford to pay each month, and which documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Comparis shows you how to prepare for both.
Electricity cost calculator
How much your household spends on electricity per month.
Step 3: Search and set up a search alert
Those who are the first to hear about a new listing have the advantage. Therefore, set up a search alert. However, don’t rely solely on this: waiting lists at housing cooperatives, notice boards and your network can lead to flats that never appear online.
Set up a search alert with Comparis
Set up a search alert on Comparis and receive a notification when new properties are listed.
Step 4: Read listings properly
Living space, ancillary costs, standard of construction: These three pieces of information can make a listing comparable. Comparis explains what they mean and how to calculate the price per square metre.
Local rents and purchase prices
Rents and purchase prices from listings over the past five years, by town/city and postcode.
Step 5: Viewing
At a viewing, first impressions count, for both parties. Arrive on time, introduce yourself and prepare questions beforehand. And it’s best to take your documents with you straight away.
Step 6: Apply and wait for the decision
A complete application that is received quickly has a better chance than a perfect one that arrives late. Therefore, submit all documents at once. And make sure you know what you are signing: Anyone who co-signs is liable for the entire rent, even after they have moved out themselves.
Frequently asked questions about finding a place to live
The Swiss Budget Advisory Association recommends that housing costs, including ancillary costs, should not exceed a quarter of net income. The umbrella organisation 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 based on gross income when making their selection. Neither of these is a legal requirement.
According to the leaflet issued by the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, questions about marital status, religion and nationality are generally inadmissible, as are questions about the duration of the previous tenancy and the current rent. On the other hand, it is permissible to ask about the type of residence permit and its expiry date. A copy of the debt collection register extract may be requested from all prospective tenants, but the original and proof of income may only be requested from the selected person. Documents relating to unsuccessful applications must be destroyed.
This depends heavily on the region. Across Switzerland, a rental listing is online for an average of 24 days online, in the city of Zurich for 12 days, in Chur for 11, in Winterthur for 13 and in Lucerne for 15, and in the canton of Geneva for 16. It takes significantly longer in less pressurised markets, such as the canton of Jura, where it is 51 days. However, this figure measures the duration of a listing’s availability, not the length of your search: in regions where there is high demand, the search often takes several months and requires numerous applications.
Next stage: tenancy agreement, rental deposit and moving in
Have you had an offer accepted? Then come the tenancy agreement, the rental deposit and moving in. Comparis explains what to bear in mind.