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…
Emile Garcin Suisse
Emile Garcin Suisse offers prestige real estate brokerage services in Geneva and throughout Switzerland. A member of the Emile Garcin network, present in Europe, the agency supports a demanding clientele in the search and transaction of exceptional properties, relying on in-depth knowledge of high-end residential markets.
View listingRégie Florissante
Régie Florissante offers complete services in management, rental, sale, and relocation of real estate properties in Geneva. Active on the Geneva market, the company puts its expertise at the service of owners and tenants, relying on a team of qualified agents and fine knowledge of local dynamics.
View listingBuldia
Buldia is a real estate agency based in Geneva and also active in the canton of Vaud. It supports its clients in purchase, sale, and rental real estate projects, offering personalised service and in-depth local expertise.
View listingImmobove SA
Immobove SA is a limited company based in Versoix, in the Geneva periphery. Active in real estate portfolio management, it offers transaction, administration, and property enhancement services on behalf of private and institutional owners.
View listingSo Properties SA
So Properties SA is an independent Geneva real estate agency specialised in the sale of prestige properties in Geneva and the Terre Sainte region. It offers tailor-made service to buyers and sellers, based on a global and in-depth vision of the high-end market.
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.