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…
Davel Immobilier Sarl
Davel Immobilier Sarl is a Geneva agency directed by Florence Davel Parise, a member of the Union Suisse des Professionnels de l’Immobilier. Founded in the mid-2010s, it offers a complete service including sale, rental, management, brokerage, as well as moving and storage services.
View listingFoxhomes
Foxhomes supports expatriates, executives, and diplomats in their housing search in Geneva. Specialised in relocation, the agency offers personalised solutions to facilitate the installation of its international clients, relying on fine knowledge of the Geneva real estate stock.
View listingARC PROPERTIES
ARC PROPERTIES offers personalised support in prestige real estate brokerage in Vésenaz and the Geneva region. The agency addresses a demanding clientele seeking high-end residential properties, emphasising confidentiality and transaction quality.
View listingSORG Luxury Properties SA
SORG Luxury Properties SA is a Geneva agency founded in 2009, exclusively dedicated to the sale of luxury houses and apartments. Since its origins, it has established itself as a reference player in the prestige segment in Geneva, offering highly personalised and confidential service.
View listingLemania Immo SA
Lemania Immo SA is a human-sised Geneva company born from the association of two seasoned real estate professionals. It offers brokerage, development, advice, promotion, and management services, with a presence from Geneva to the Vaud Coast.
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.