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…
LEMAN LOCATION Sàrl
LEMAN LOCATION Sàrl is a Geneva company active in real estate rental and relocation services. It supports clients, particularly international and on the move, in the search, negotiation, and management of housing around Lake Geneva.
View listingFor U Relocation Sàrl
For U Relocation Sàrl is a Geneva company formed in 2022, dedicated to relocation services and support in housing search. It offers personalised solutions to clients in professional or personal mobility, with particular attention to quality and speed of services.
View listingCogestar Properties
Cogestar Properties is a luxury real estate agency based in Geneva, specialised in villas, prestige houses, and off-market properties. It also operates on renowned alpine and international destinations such as Gstaad, Verbier, Monaco, or Dubai, offering exclusive opportunities to a high-end clientele.
View listingMoser Vernet & Cie Location gérance
Moser Vernet & Cie Location gérance Moser Vernet & Cie is a Geneva real estate agency with over 130 years of experience. It offers complete services in sale, rental, estimation, and management, and currently manages a portfolio of 450 buildings in the canton.
View listingNSR GROUP SA
NSR GROUP SA is a Geneva company specialised in real estate brokerage, renovation, and investment. It operates both on its own account and on behalf of third parties in all operations related to the real estate sector, from transaction to property enhancement.
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.