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…
Régie Immo Casa Geneva
Régie Immo Casa Régie Immo Casa provides real estate management, sales and related services in Geneva. The agency handles property administration and supports clients through purchase, renovation and transaction processes.
View listingL’Auberge d’Hermance
L'Auberge d'Hermance L'Auberge d'Hermance is an inn on the Rue du Midi in Hermance, the picturesque medieval village at the eastern tip of the canton. The auberge offers dining and accommodation in a historic setting.
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Hôtel Longemalle Geneva
Hôtel Longemalle Hôtel Longemalle is a classic hotel located on the Place de Longemalle in the heart of Geneva, close to the Old Town and the main shopping streets.
View listingHôtel Les Nations Geneva
Hôtel Les Nations Hôtel Les Nations is a hotel located on the Rue du Grand-Pré in Geneva, near Cornavin station. It forms part of the fassbindhotels group and offers comfortable accommodation in a practical central location.
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Pilet & Renaud Geneva
Pilet & Renaud Pilet & Renaud is a real estate agency based in central Geneva, offering property management, rental and sales services. The agency handles residential and commercial properties for private owners and investors.
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.