Accommodation in Geneva
If you're considering moving to Geneva, finding accommodation will likely be a significant concern. How can you efficiently search for housing in the city? What are the rental prices like? Here's everything you need to know.
Geneva is one of the world's most international cities, with nearly half of its residents being expatriates from various countries. It's also charming, with its location by Lake Geneva and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The rental market in Geneva
Geneva is Switzerland's second-most densely populated city after Zurich. Given this, it's wise to start your search early to find affordable accommodation. Here's an overview of the rental prices for different types of properties in Geneva.
Median monthly rent for a property in Geneva
According to data from Real Advisor, which aggregates real estate information and services, there are currently 2,567 properties (apartments or houses) available for rent in Geneva.
The median price per square meter in Geneva is CHF 464. For example, renting a 100 m² apartment would cost around CHF 3,866 per month. Keep in mind that this is a median price, and actual costs can vary depending on the neighborhood and the condition of the property.
To get a more concrete idea, here are the median monthly rents in relation to the number of rooms in an apartment:
- 2-room apartment CHF 1,678;
- 3-room apartment CHF 2,270;
- 4-room apartment CHF 2,971;
- 5-room apartment CHF 4,500.
Overview of Geneva neighborhoods
The city of Geneva is divided into eight districts: Pâquis Sécheron, Servette Petit-Sarconnex, Grottes Saint-Gervais, Saint-Jean Charmilles, Acacias Bâtie, Plainpalais Jonction, Eaux-Vives Cité and Champel.
These are, in turn, divided into a number of smaller districts, including business and residential areas: Rues-Basses, Saint Léger, Bourg de Four Cité, Mont Blanc, Wilson, Tour de Champel, Colline, Saint George, etc.
The most popular neighborhoods to live in include Bâtie-Acacias, Royer, Montchoisy, Florence, Ariana, Mon Repos, Beaumont, Belmont and Vollandes.
Some areas are reputed to be very expensive to rent, for example, the Eaux Vives Cité district, which is very close to the center.
There will be significant variations in rental prices, depending on the neighborhood.
The most expensive neighborhoods
The most popular neighborhoods in Geneva, in terms of the number of properties for rent, are the city center, Eaux-Vives, and Champel-Roseraie. These three neighborhoods are very central, especially the city center and Eaux-Vives, which form the heart of the city.
The least expensive districts
The most affordable neighborhoods in which to rent housing in Geneva are Bâtie-Acacias, with a median price of CHF 391 per square meter, as well as St-Jean-Aire and Charmilles-Châtelaine. The first two are near the Bois de la Bâtie, and depending on traffic, you can reach the Eaux-Vives district in about 25 minutes by public transport.
Surrounding towns
Many residents are willing to move further from the city of Geneva. Consider expanding your search to neighboring towns in the canton of Geneva, such as Versoix, Nyon, and Gland. Rents are generally more affordable there, and the competition among potential tenants is less intense.
Versiox: Situated on the lakeshore, Versoix is 45 minutes from Geneva by public transport. The median price per m² is CHF 311.
Nyon and Gland: These two towns are located a little further away on the same shore of Lake Geneva. The median price per m² is CHF 368 and CHF 257, respectively.
House hunting in Geneva: Define your preferences
What does your employment contract stipulate regarding housing?
Are you moving to Geneva for work? If so, your contract might include housing assistance or even rent compensation. If it doesn't, considering the high property prices in Geneva, you might want to negotiate this with your employer.
When it comes to finding accommodation, many expatriation contracts include the use of a relocation agency, which offers various services to help you settle in, or the support of a real estate agent to guide you through the process.
To improve your chances of success, research the real estate market beforehand and clearly define your search criteria, such as location and accessibility relative to your workplace, nearby amenities, and budget.
While budget is crucial, don't ignore other factors that contribute to a pleasant living experience. If you have children, consider finding a conveniently situated location between your office and their school.
Student accommodation in Geneva
Are you an international student in Geneva? The Cité Universitaire de Genève is a top option for accommodation, offering around 850 places. You can choose from single rooms, studios for 2 people, and apartments for 2, 3, or 4 people. Rent prices range from CHF 531 per month for a single room to CHF 1,255 for a studio for 2 people.
How to find accommodation in Geneva
Agencies and online search sites
Use specialized real estate websites. The main online portals in Switzerland are:
You can also check the Real Advisor website, which has listings from various real estate agencies.
In Geneva, you'll find many local real estate agencies, such as Gary, A-E Schmid, and ABC Genève.
Additionally, consider looking at classified ads in local newspapers like 24 Heures and Le Temps, some of which are available online.
Real estate agents
Real estate agents are commonly sought in Geneva. For rentals, they usually charge a commission equivalent to one month's rent. The fee typically ranges from 6% to 10% (and occasionally up to 15%) of the annual rent collected by the landlord.
Although it's generally easier to find a property in person, virtual visits are now also quite common.
Expats groups and dedicated forums
Leverage your personal and professional network in Geneva by letting friends, colleagues, and business contacts know you're searching for accommodation. They might have useful recommendations or leads.
Check out expat forums focused on housing in Geneva for valuable information on neighborhoods, tips, and precautions.
Also, join relevant groups on social media like Facebook. You'll find numerous helpful self-help and real estate groups.
Documents required for rental in Geneva
Start by compiling a complete application file to improve your chances. Landlords often require various documents when renting a property.
Typically, you'll need to fill out a registration form for the landlord or property management company. A sample form is available on the Federal Housing Office website.
Other information and documents you may need to provide include:
- Proof of monthly income;
- Your employment contract;
- Your residence permit or settlement permit;
- A certificate from the debt-collection register. This document tells the landlord whether you have any outstanding debts, and you can obtain it directly from your local council or online.
- A copy of your civil liability insurance policy.
Deposits and other things to consider when renting in Geneva
In Switzerland, as in many countries, you'll need to pay a deposit when renting accommodation. This deposit cannot exceed three months' rent.
Similar to Germany, the deposit is placed in a special rental guarantee account in the tenant's name. When the tenant moves out, the deposit and any interest earned are returned.
Review the other terms of the rental contract, including the notice period, clauses about rent increases, and any specific arrangements like whether you're allowed to have a pet.
As a foreign resident in Switzerland, you should also review the internal regulations of the property you're renting, especially if you live in an apartment building. These rules cover communal living aspects with other tenants and may differ from what you're used to, such as the use of common areas, quiet hours, and access to the laundry.
If disputes arise regarding the lease, tenants and landlords can seek resolution through the Conciliation Authority.
Should you buy or rent property in Geneva?
We've assumed that, as an expatriate, you would prefer to rent a home in Geneva.
According to a study by the Federal Housing Office, only 18.7% of homes in Geneva are owner-occupied. Compared to other European countries, Switzerland has one of the lowest homeownership rates. This is due to various factors, including historical restrictions on owning apartment buildings before 1965 and high purchase prices.
The median price per square meter for purchasing property in Geneva is CHF 15,826. As with renting, prices can vary significantly depending on the property's location and condition.
Additionally, if you want to buy property in Switzerland, you must meet specific conditions based on your country of origin.
If you're a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), you need a Swiss residence permit, and the property must be your primary residence to become a homeowner.
