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…
Swiss Luxury Homes
Swiss Luxury Homes is an agency specialised in luxury real estate in Geneva and the Vaud Coast, particularly in Morges. It offers a selection of exceptional properties offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the mountains, intended for a demanding international clientele.
View listingB. Mooser Immobilier
B. Mooser Immobilier is an agency active in Cointrin and the Geneva region. It offers sale and purchase services for real estate properties, emphasising a human and attentive approach to its clients' expectations.
View listingImmogeste
Immogeste has been supporting its clients since 1999 in the management and enhancement of their real estate assets in Geneva. With over twenty years of experience, the agency offers complete services in management, brokerage, works, and real estate promotion, covering the entire life cycle of properties.
View listingMo-realestate
Mo-realestate supports its clients in the search for exclusive, off-market, and early-access properties in Geneva. The agency offers tailor-made support for buyers seeking exceptional properties, emphasising discretion and quality of presented opportunities.
View listingigloo
igloo offers a modern and transparent real estate service in Geneva, emphasising quality and fair price. The agency supports its clients in sale, estimation, and acquisition of residential properties, with a clear and accessible approach.
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.