Housing & Real Estate
Geneva's housing market is one of the tightest in Europe, with a vacancy rate consistently below 1% and a strong cultural preference for renting through established régies (property management agencies). For most newcomers, the first six months in Geneva involve some form of furnished or serviced accommodation before transitioning to a long-term unfurnished lease — a process that itself requires a residence permit, references, and proof of income equivalent to…
MHM Immobilier Puplinge
MHM Immobilier Puplinge MHM Immobilier is a real estate agency (régie) based in Puplinge on the eastern edge of the canton. It provides property sales, rental management and related real estate services to clients in the area.
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Restaurant de la Cigogne - Terrasse Genève
Restaurant de la Cigogne - Terrasse Genève Restaurant de la Cigogne is a fine-dining restaurant located on the Place de Longemalle in central Geneva, forming part of the historic Hôtel de la Cigogne.
View listingHôtel St-Gervais Geneva
Hôtel St-Gervais Hôtel St-Gervais offers accommodation in the Saint-Gervais district of Geneva. The hotel provides straightforward rooms in a central location close to the old town and main transport links.
View listingAgence Immobilière Ribordy Carouge
Agence Immobilière Ribordy Agence Immobilière Ribordy is a real estate agency based in Carouge. It provides property management, rental and sales services in Geneva, with particular knowledge of the Carouge and surrounding areas.
View listingRegie Schmid SA Chêne-Bougeries
Regie Schmid SA Regie Schmid SA is a real estate agency based in Chêne-Bougeries, specialising in property management and related services. The agency operates in the eastern part of Geneva and handles residential and commercial properties.
View listingPractical guide
Housing and real estate in Geneva
Geneva's housing market is one of the tightest in Europe, with a vacancy rate consistently below 1% and a strong cultural preference for renting through established régies (property management agencies). For most newcomers, the first six months in Geneva involve some form of furnished or serviced accommodation before transitioning to a long-term unfurnished lease — a process that itself requires a residence permit, references, and proof of income equivalent to roughly three times the monthly rent.
Buying property in Switzerland is subject to Lex Koller, the federal law restricting acquisition of residential real estate by non-residents. Holders of permit C can buy without restriction; permit B holders can buy a primary residence under conditions; non-residents are generally limited to holiday properties in designated zones and require cantonal authorisation. For higher-net-worth buyers, the path typically runs through a specialist prestige agency working alongside a Swiss notaire and, where relevant, a tax advisor.
This section covers the full housing journey: property management (régies) for long-term rentals and sales, furnished apartments for relocation and short stays, temporary housing including hotels and bed & breakfasts, and moving services for local and international removals.