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…
Hôtel Aïda Geneva
Hôtel Aïda Hôtel Aïda is a hotel located on the Avenue Henri-Dunant in Geneva. It offers comfortable accommodation in a well-connected central area close to the university and main transport routes.
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Adagio Genève Mont-Blanc
Adagio Genève Mont-Blanc offers modern serviced apartments with fully equipped kitchens in central Geneva. The residence provides flexible accommodation suited to extended stays for business travellers and relocating professionals.
View listingABWL Immobilier Geneva
ABWL Immobilier ABWL Immobilier operates as a real estate agency in Geneva, offering services in property sales and rentals. The firm assists clients with personalised support throughout the transaction process in the Geneva property market.
View listingHôtel Astoria SA Geneva
Hôtel Astoria SA Hôtel Astoria SA is a hotel located directly on Place de Cornavin, opposite Geneva’s main railway station. It offers comfortable rooms in one of the most convenient locations for travellers arriving by train or using public transport.
View listingImmo-Compta, Fiduciaire à Bernex
Immo-Compta, Fiduciaire à Bernex Immo-Compta provides real estate and fiduciary services from its office in Bernex. The firm combines property-related services with accounting and administrative support for clients in the western part of the Geneva canton.
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.