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…
Les Chambres du CTN - Hôtel à Genève Plan-les-Ouates
Les Chambres du CTN Les Chambres du CTN is a hotel offering accommodation located on the Chemin des Aulx in Plan-les-Ouates, on the southern edge of Geneva. It provides practical stays in a business and commercial area.
View listingHôtel Le Prince Geneva
Hôtel Le Prince Hôtel Le Prince is a hotel on the Rue des Voisins in Geneva, in a central district close to the main railway station and the lake. The hotel offers accommodation within walking distance of the city centre.
View listingHôtel Diplomate Geneva
Hôtel Diplomate Hôtel Diplomate is a hotel located on Rue de la Terrassière in Geneva, offering modern rooms in a central yet residential area. It provides accommodation suited to both business travellers and tourists visiting the city.
View listingHôtel Barillon Geneva
Hôtel Barillon Hôtel Barillon offers affordable accommodation in central Geneva, near the train station and the Pâquis district. The hotel provides straightforward rooms for travellers and visitors seeking convenient and budget-conscious lodging.
View listingRégie Duboux Versoix
Régie Duboux Régie Duboux is a real estate agency based in Versoix, on the lakeside between Geneva and Nyon. It provides property management and related real estate services to clients in the region.
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.