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…
The Hamlet Geneva
The Hamlet The Hamlet offers luxury serviced apartments in Geneva’s Old Town. Located on Rue Etienne-Dumont, it provides elegant studios and spacious two-bedroom units equipped for both short and extended stays.
View listingB&B Domaine En Trembley Meyrin
B&B Domaine En Trembley B&B Domaine En Trembley is a bed and breakfast located in Commugny, set within a nine-hectare orchard with views towards the Jura mountains.
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Stay KooooK Geneva City
Stay KooooK Geneva City is a modern aparthotel offering studio apartments located on the Rue de la Servette in Geneva. It provides contemporary accommodation with access to a rooftop terrace offering views over the city.
View listingHenri Harsch HH SA
Henri Harsch HH SA is a premier moving service for expatriates in Geneva, Switzerland. Offering international relocation, packing services, and local moves, our English-speaking team ensures a stress-free experience.
View listingVision Apartments
Vision Apartments provides furnished and serviced apartments located at Place de Cornavin in Geneva, directly opposite the main railway station. It offers both short-term and longer-term rental options in fully equipped units.
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.