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…
Agence du Rhône Genève-Cité Sàrl
Agence du Rhône Genève-Cité Sàrl is a real estate agency based in the heart of Geneva (Boulevard Georges-Favon). It offers brokerage and advice services on the Geneva residential and commercial market.
View listingLa Perle Immobilier
La Perle Immobilier is an agency active in Geneva and the canton of Vaud, offering complete support for purchase, sale, and rental real estate projects. It positions itself as a proximity partner for a local and international clientele seeking personalised service on the Lake Geneva arc.
View listingAllianz Suisse Immobilier SA - Genève
Allianz Suisse Immobilier SA - Genève is part of the Allianz Suisse group and manages an important real estate portfolio in the canton. It offers professional services in management, rental, and real estate asset management on behalf of institutional and private owners.
View listingOmnia immobilier - Genève
Omnia immobilier - Genève is the Geneva branch of Omnia Immobilier SA group, present in several cities of French-speaking Switzerland. The agency combines local expertise and technological innovations to maximise the value of entrusted properties and optimise transactions.
View listingHome Plus Sàrl Genève
Home Plus Sàrl Genève is a family company active in the Geneva real estate sector. It stands out for its responsible commitment, sustainability-oriented strategy, and true proximity with its clients and partners.
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.