Create a search alert for free: So you never miss a flat again
With a search alert, you will be notified by e-mail or push notification in the app as soon as a suitable flat or house is listed. Comparis shows you how to set up a search alert in three steps.
24.09.2026
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1. How do you set up a search alert at Comparis?
The search alert from Comparis is free of charge and works without an account: An e-mail address is all you need. It includes all listings in the Comparis property marketplace: the well-known Swiss websites and exclusive listings. This means you don’t have to set up a separate search alert on each platform.
Step 1: Start search and set criteria
Select in the property marketplace «Rent» or «Buy». Then enter Town/city or postcode, Radius, Property category, Price and Number of rooms enter. Click on «Show listings».
Set a realistic budget: As the maximum price, choose the amount that you can really afford to pay. How much an apartment in Switzerland costs is explained in the article Cost of an apartment.
Use the surrounding area: A radius of just a few kilometres includes neighbouring municipalities. There are often more options there.
Set up multiple search alerts: Are you searching in two or more regions? If so, you can create a separate search alert for each search create.
Step 2: Click on «Create search alert»
On the results page, you can see all the matching listings. There, you can apply additional filters, e.g., the living area, features such as a balcony, or whether pets are allowed. The search alert applies all the filters you have set. Click on «Create search alert».
Step 3: Enter title and e-mail address
Give the search alert a title with a maximum of 50 characters, e.g. «Zurich flat». Enter your e-mail address and click on «Create search alert».
Comparis confirms that your search alert is activated From now on, you will receive an e-mail as soon as a suitable listing goes online.
You can also create a search alert directly in the Comparis app create a search alert directly in the Comparis app, also without an account. There, you will receive new results as push notification. If you open a myComparis account your search alert will also be synchronised across all devices.
2. The supply of flats is at its tightest in 15 years. A search alert can help.
Rental apartments are snapped up quickly. The vacancy rate will, in 2026, for the first time in 15 years, below 1% has fallen. This is shown by the vacancy survey by the Federal Statistical Office. This means that out of 100 flats, not even one was empty.
Rental apartments are also advertised for correspondingly short periods: nationwide, on average 24 days, and in the city of Zurich only 12 days. This is shown by the Online Property Index from HEV Switzerland and SVIT Switzerland.
Comparis tip: Don’t rely solely on the search alert. According to a Comparis survey , 44% found what they were looking for via property websites. 41% However, they found their flat without any public listing, usually through personal contacts.
Therefore, you should also tell people around you about your search. And ask at housing cooperatives about waiting lists. The article sets out other options. Flat search: tips and tricks.
Finding a flat, step by step
This guide is part of Step 3 «Search and set up a search alert». In the overview, Comparis shows all the steps from the initial consideration to the acceptance of an offer.
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This article was first published on 24.09.2026
