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…
Gerofinance - Dunand
About GEROFINANCE - DUNAND SA GEROFINANCE - DUNAND SA, established in Geneva since 1962, is led by Félicité Jérôme. The agency provides a range of property services, including wealth management, fiduciary operations and real estate brokerage.
View listingRealys SA
Realys SA is a Geneva company specialised in the management and enhancement of real estate properties. Based in Chêne-Bougeries, it supports owners in the administration, optimisation, and marketing of their residential and commercial assets.
View listingCompagnie financière de promotion immobilière
Compagnie financière de promotion immobilière The Compagnie Financière de Promotion Immobilière SA is a company active in real estate promotion and financing in Geneva.
View listingEnvisages Sàrl
Envisages Sàrl, based in Versoix in the canton of Geneva, is specialised in viager and real estate development. Founded in 2014 as a family company, the company offers innovative solutions for owners wishing to optimise their assets while securing their future.
View listingCAT IMMOBILIER Sàrl
CAT IMMOBILIER Sàrl is a limited liability company active in the real estate sector in Geneva. The agency offers transaction, advice, and support services for the purchase, sale, or rental of residential and commercial properties on the local market.
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.