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…
FF immobilier SA
FF immobilier SA is a company active in the real estate sector in Geneva. It offers transaction and support services adapted to client needs on the local residential and patrimonial market.
View listingCompagnie Foncière du Mont-Blanc SA
Compagnie Foncière du Mont-Blanc SA is a real estate company active in Geneva since its creation in 2021. It is dedicated to the management and enhancement of real estate portfolios, favoring a rigorous and sustainable patrimonial approach.
View listingGVA-IMMO SA
GVA-IMMO SA is a Geneva real estate agency founded in 2010, specialised in sale, purchase, valuations, and real estate promotions in Geneva and its region. It offers a complete brokerage service to individuals and investors.
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.