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…
Plafida Immobilier SA
Plafida Immobilier SA is part of the Plafida group, which brings together fiduciary and real estate skills in Geneva. The company offers real estate management, transaction, and property administration services, combining accounting rigor and patrimonial expertise.
View listingRelocation Genevoise
Relocation Genevoise is an agency specialised in supporting relocation procedures in Geneva and the Lake Geneva region. It assists international and mobile clients in all stages of their installation, from housing search to administrative and practical integration.
View listingScholliers Real Estate Sàrl
Scholliers Real Estate Sàrl is a real estate agency based in Vésenaz, offering residential and commercial brokerage services on the Geneva market. It supports its clients with a proximity approach in a sought-after residential district on the right bank.
View listingCrown Real Estate
Crown Real Estate is an agency active in Geneva, offering high-end real estate services. It supports a demanding clientele in the search and transaction of high-standing properties.
View listingImmo Reflex Sàrl
Immo Reflex Sàrl is a Geneva real estate agency active since 2015. Specialised in the sale of villas, houses, and apartments, it supports owners and buyers in the realisation of their residential projects with a dynamic and reactive 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.