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…
HAYI SA
HAYI SA is a Geneva company active since 2014 in the purchase, sale, and evaluation of exceptional real estate properties. It offers complete and confidential support to owners and buyers, also covering construction project management and residential asset enhancement.
View listingFlorence Marchand Architecture
Florence Marchand Architecture is an interior architecture and decoration activity based in Geneva, with over thirty years of experience. It supports clients in the design and transformation of residential and professional spaces, combining creativity and functionality.
View listingIndigo Immobilier
Indigo Immobilier is a real estate brokerage activity based in Geneva. Directed by Véronique Lattion, it offers personalised support to clients in their purchase, sale, and residential property search projects.
View listingKenzia
Kenzia is a Geneva company active in real estate promotion and transactions. It designs contemporary habitats that respect the environment and favour a human and authentic approach to projects.
View listingImmolac Invest
About Immolac Invest SA Immolac Invest SA, based in Geneva since 27 March 2006, is led by François Legrand. The company excels in the trading, management and administration of property assets, and also provides real estate services and advisory.
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.