Tips for searching for an apartment in Switzerland
Searching for an apartment can be difficult, particularly in larger cities. Comparis gives you tips for finding an apartment.
22.05.2026
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1. What is important to me in an apartment?
At the beginning of your search, think about what kind of expectations you have for your apartment:
How much can the apartment cost at most cost? Budgetberatung Schweiz recommends that you spend a maximum of a quarter of your net income on rent. The net salary is the salary after all deductions – that is, the amount that is paid into your account.
Where should the apartment be located? Remember also, for example, the travel time to work.
How many rooms do I need at a minimum, and how many at a maximum? How many square metres should the apartment be? Among other things, the number of people is decisive here. However, also consider any future plans, such as having children.
What infrastructure do I need nearby? For families, for example, schools can be important. Also think about how important public transport connections are to you.
What should the apartment have? Do you need a parking space and a balcony? Is a shared laundry room sufficient, or do you need your own washing machine? Before you start searching, think about what is important to you personally.
Do you have a pet? Then you should check whether rentals allow you to keep dogs or cats are allowed. For small animals, you normally don’t need permission.
Find the right flat with Comparis
At Comparis, you’ll find the largest property marketplace in Switzerland. Here you can see the well-known portals and exclusive listings at a glance. And: you can search for the right flat thanks to various filters.
2. How and where can I find a flat?
There are different ways, in which you can find a flat. Don’t limit yourself to just searching online.
There are various websites online, that provide an overview of available flats and houses. On Comparis and some other sites, you can also set up a search alert set up. This way, you will automatically be informed about new listings.
On Comparis, you can find the largest online property marketplace in Switzerland. In addition to many of its own listings, it brings together property listings from various Swiss property portals.
Set up a search alert and win a month’s rent
Good to know: Set up a search alert and win a month’s rent worth up to 3’000 francs.
In some cases, you can also find flat listings on social media flat offers. This can be the case, for example, on marketplaces or in groups. However, it may also be the case that someone you know is looking for a new tenant.
Inform as many people as possible in your circle about your plans to move. This way, they can let you know if they hear about a vacant flat.
In various public places you can find notice boards. Look there for requests for new tenants.
Also check local newspapers of your new place of residence. You may find vacant flats in the classifieds section.
Look out for new builds or newly emerging housing estates. In the early stages of construction, the application process has usually not yet started. This allows you to apply as soon as the process is opened. Contact information or a website is often found on posters.
Not in a rush to move? Get on a waiting list with building cooperatives and property management companies on waiting lists lists.
Some cooperatives and management companies don’t have a waiting list, but they do have a newsletter. This will inform you if an apartment becomes available.
Especially in large cities like Zurich, some tenants now offer their apartments for exchange There are online portals for this, for example.
However, an apartment swap only works if all tenants and landlords agree agree.
Good to know: On the Comparis property portal, you can filter your search for exchange apartments.
Are you having difficulty finding an apartment and need help? In this case, you can, for example, contact a real estate agency or Flat placement service contact.
There are also foundations and social institutionsthat can help you with your search in certain situations. These include foundations for families or older people. There are also services for people with disabilities.
3. What compromises can I make?
Think about which features of a flat are most important to you. If necessary, compromise on unimportant points. After all, every additional amenity increases the rent.
Also think about whether you can compromise on the location of the flat. In some areas, flats are more expensive than in others. There may also be fewer people interested in those areas, which increases your chances of getting the flat.
4. When is the best time to look for a flat in Switzerland?
As a rule: Start early on with your flat search. Demand is often high and finding a flat is difficult, especially in large cities.
Flats are often advertised two to three months before the possible move-in date. However, if a tenant is looking for a new tenant, flats are sometimes advertised much earlier – or at shorter notice.
5. Compare rental prices
Compare them before you start your search in order to find the best rental prices to find. For example, you can see whether your budget is realistic.
At Comparis, you can view the price development for apartments and houses displayed. Here you can find the rents and purchase prices from listings of the last five years.
Important: Some listings seem to be very cheap compared to the surrounding area. Be careful with these offers. It could be a fraudulent apartment listing .
6. What is the best way to apply for the flat?
The first contact is already part of the application. Take into account the preferred form of contact in the advertisement. Say or write something about your personal situation – but keep it short. For rentals, the following are of interest, for example:
Number of people moving in and whether you have children
whether pets are moving in with you
Age of the persons
Your job
the reason for moving house
After viewing an apartment, don’t just hand in the application form. Prepare an application folder with all the necessary documents. You can also personalise the folder a little to stand out from other applicants.
Refrain from haggling
As a rule landlords do not negotiate about rental prices. If you try anyway, you might leave a bad impression with the landlord.
However, according to the Code of Obligations, you do not have to accept an excessive initial rent (Art. 270 CO). Are you paying significantly more than the tenant before you? If so, you can contest the rent within 30 days contest the rent.
Do your research about the apartment before the viewing. This will allow you to ask specific questions. Also, keep an eye on details. For example, look out for mould or other major defects.
Pay attention to who is present during the viewing. When renting out, you should perhaps behave differently than if the current tenant is accompanying you during the viewing.
Come under no circumstances be late. Don’t criticise the apartment too much. Also, don’t be pushy.
7. When should I follow up with the prospective landlord?
Get in touch, underline your interest in the apartment and remind them of yourself. This also applies to the building cooperatives and management companies whose waiting lists you are on.
But: don’t get in touch after applying too early – this can come across as pushy. If there is an application deadline, do not contact them before it has passed. If there is no deadline, you can follow up once after about a week.
Have you been accepted for your dream apartment? Then make sure you prepare for the move in good time. The Comparis moving service can support you with this.
8. Frequently asked questions about finding an apartment
The most important criteria often include, among others:
Budget: The Swiss Budget Advisory Service recommends spending no more than 25% of your net income on rent.
Location: Travel time to work and public transport connections
Size: Number of rooms and square metres
Facilities: Extras such as a balcony, parking space or your own washing machine
Before you start searching, think about what is a must for you and where you are willing to compromise.
In Switzerland, most apartments become available on the official termination dates In many cantons, these are the end of March, end of June and end of September. In some cantons, the main moving days are at the end of every month except December. Since flats are usually advertised two to three months before the move-in date, it’s worth starting your search early.
There are various tips on how to get a rented apartment. A good preparation is important. These measures increase your chances:
Act fast:Respond promptly when a suitable listing appears. To do this, set up search alerts on property portals such as Comparis.
Use your network:Let your friends and family know that you are looking. Many apartments are rented out through personal contacts.
Professional application portfolio:After the viewing, submit the complete documents and personalise the portfolio.
Make a good impression:Come on time to the viewing, remain friendly and avoid excessive criticism of the flat.
Be willing to compromise:Think about which features of the flat are really crucial for you. Also think about where you are willing to compromise. Compromises can be made, for example, with regard to the location, the size of the flat, the floor or the fittings make sense. A healthy balance between what you want and what is realistic makes it easier for you to find a place to live.
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This article was first published on 11.01.2019
