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…
Restaurant La Coudre Céligny
Restaurant La Coudre Restaurant La Coudre is a fine-dining restaurant located in Céligny, a small municipality between Geneva and Nyon. It offers refined cuisine in a charming and peaceful setting overlooking the lake.
View listingHôtel-Pension Silva Geneva
Hôtel-Pension Silva Hôtel-Pension Silva is a modest hotel-pension located on the Rue Jean-Robert-Chouet in Geneva. It offers simple and affordable accommodation in a central yet residential setting.
View listingFloat Inn - Boat B&B Geneva
Float Inn - Boat B&B Float Inn is a unique bed and breakfast located on a luxury catamaran docked at the Quai Gustave-Ador in Geneva. It offers overnight stays in comfortable cabins on the water, with views over Lake Geneva and the city.
View listingHôtel Les Arcades Geneva
Hôtel Les Arcades Hôtel Les Arcades is a budget hotel located directly opposite Geneva’s main railway station on the Place de Cornavin. It offers simple and affordable accommodation in a highly convenient central location.
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Happyhouse Geneva
Happyhouse Happyhouse is a provider of furnished apartments on the Rue du Parc in Geneva, offering accommodation for short and long stays. The apartments are equipped for independent living, suited to those needing temporary housing in the city — relocating professionals, visitors and others between homes.
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.