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…
Homenhancement SA
Homenhancement SA is a company active in Geneva, offering real estate services oriented towards the improvement and enhancement of residential properties. It supports owners in renovation and patrimonial enhancement projects.
View listingARENIA.CH
ARENIA.CH is a real estate agency based in Versoix, in the Geneva region. It offers transaction and support services for residential and patrimonial properties on the local and Geneva market.
View listingKNGK-Global SA
KNGK-Global SA is a Geneva company active in real estate services and management. It offers support and management services adapted to client needs on the local market.
View listingFidys Group Immobilier
Fidys Group Immobilier is part of Fidys Group SA, expert in real estate asset management in Switzerland and internationally. Based in Châtelaine, the agency offers management, rental, and property sales services, with a global approach to asset advice.
View listingL'Emotion Immobilière - Alain Baruchel
L'Emotion Immobilière - Alain Baruchel L’Emotion Immobilière, founded by Alain Baruchel, is an agency based in Corsier. With over twenty years of experience as a senior broker and director, its founder offers a personal and sensitive approach to real estate, emphasising emotion and client encounter.
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.