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…
Crowdpark SA
Crowdpark SA is a company active in real estate in Meyrin, offering innovative participatory financing and real estate promotion solutions. It supports project leaders and investors in collective operations.
View listingEGimmobilier SA
EGimmobilier SA is an agency active in Geneva, offering brokerage and real estate management services. It supports its clients in the transaction and enhancement of properties on the local market.
View listingCI Léman
About CI Léman — Compagnie Immobilière du Léman Based in Geneva, the Compagnie Immobilière du Léman (CI Léman) is recognised for its expertise in property, particularly in brokerage, building and condominium management, and rentals.
View listingBEFI SA
BEFI SA — Property and Fiduciary Expertise in Geneva BEFI SA, founded in 1936 by Eugène Gelbert, is recognised for its expertise in the management and development of property assets.
View listingAppartel Sàrl
Appartel Sàrl is a Geneva real estate company active in brokerage, purchase, sale, renovation, and real estate management. It offers complete support to owners and investors on the canton 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.