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…
BR Consulting
BR Consulting is a human-sised real estate agency based in Carouge. It offers tailor-made services in rental, purchase, sale, and relocation for individuals and businesses.
View listingMellender Sàrl
Mellender Sàrl carries out its real estate activities in Geneva, offering consulting, support, and transaction services adapted to the needs of owners and buyers.
View listingImmobilière Genevoise
Immobilière Genevoise is a local real estate agency based in Geneva. Specialised in purchase, sale, and rental of residential properties, villas, and offices, it offers complete and proximity support to individuals as well as businesses in the canton.
View listingImmotrendy
Immotrendy is a company active in the real estate sector in Carouge. It offers transaction and support services adapted to client needs on the local market, with a modern and reactive approach.
View listingOrlando Immobilier
Orlando Immobilier is an agency active in Geneva, offering residential and commercial brokerage services. It supports its clients in the purchase and sale of properties with a personalised approach.
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.