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…
Cofimob Compagnie Financière et Immobilière Geneva
Cofimob Compagnie Financière et Immobilière Cofimob Compagnie Financière et Immobilière provides financial and real estate services in Geneva. The company combines financial advisory with property-related activities, supporting clients with investment and real estate needs.
View listingRégie du Mail Carouge
Régie du Mail Régie du Mail is a real estate agency based in Carouge that has been active in the Geneva region for over twenty-five years. The firm offers property management, rental and sales services, with particular knowledge of the Carouge and surrounding neighbourhoods.
View listingHôtel des Alpes Geneva
Hôtel des Alpes Hôtel des Alpes is a hotel located on the Rue des Alpes in Geneva, a short walk from Cornavin railway station. It offers straightforward accommodation in a convenient central location.
View listingRégie du Centre Geneva
Régie du Centre Régie du Centre is a real estate agency based in central Geneva. It provides property management, sales and rental services. The agency serves clients looking for professional real estate support in Geneva, with a central location convenient for the main residential and business areas.
View listingDaudin Chatelain Immobilier Geneva
Daudin Chatelain Immobilier Daudin Chatelain Immobilier SA provides real estate management and transaction services in Geneva. The agency handles property administration, sales and related advisory work for residential and investment properties in the 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.