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…
Nestya SA
Nestya SA is a real estate agency established in Geneva, specialised in rental management, enhancement of real estate assets and sale and rental transactions. The company supports owners and investors in optimising their properties on the Geneva market.
View listingHelpimmobilier Genève
Helpimmobilier Helpimmobilier is a real estate agency based in Chêne-Bougeries. It offers complete support for the sale and purchase of residential properties, with an emphasis on responsiveness and efficiency in finding solutions adapted to client needs.
View listingDirect-Immo SA
Direct-Immo SA is a real estate agency based in Acacias. It offers brokerage and support services in residential transactions, with an active presence in left bank Geneva neighborhoods.
View listingGESTICORP SA
GESTICORP SA acts as Private Office for a High Net Worth Individuals clientele in the real estate field in Geneva. It offers discreet and tailor-made service to sellers and buyers of quality properties, including exceptional properties, residential apartments, and yield buildings located around Lake Geneva, in Switzerland, and abroad.
View listingGeneva International Real Estate
Geneva International Real Estate supports an international clientele in their real estate projects in Geneva. Specialised in exceptional properties and off-market operations, the agency offers privileged access to rare properties and exclusive opportunities on the Geneva 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.