Are you planning to move to Zurich, or find yourself here and wondering how the heck you are supposed to find an apartment in Zurich? Then this guide is made for you! As an American expat living in Switzerland, I know firsthand the struggles of apartment hunting in a city that has a lot of rules and high demand. This guide will share insider tips and tricks on how to not only search for your dream apartment in Zurich, but land it smoothly.
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In January 2023 the municipality of Zurich had 443,037 inhabitants | Photo by Louis Droege Unsplash
Finding an apartment in Zurich can be a challenging, given the city’s high demand, competitive market, and unique rental practices. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and land your dream home.
Table of Contents
- Moving to Zurich
- Tips When Moving From Abroad
- Rental Properties and Prices
- Demand and Competition
- Where to Look for an Apartment in Zurich (Online)
- Things to Know About Apartments in Zurich
- Things You Need To Have Before Looking At Apartments
- Found an Apartment You Love? Here’s What You Do Next
- Extra Tips for Apartment Hunting
Moving to Zurich
I have a whole post on tips that made our very own move abroad much easier – check it out here: 7 Practical Tips for Moving Abroad: An Essential Pre-Move Checklist. However, I wish there had been an article like this one you are reading now available before we made the move. There is hardly any helpful information out there when it comes to finding a home in Zurich, let alone navigating the nuances of the rental process.
My husband and I are currently in the process of looking for a new apartment in Zurich (canton), and while we know all the tips and tricks, I will be transparent – it is still an extremely difficult process. We were lucky to land the apartment we are in now, but there’s a LOT I would do differently. Thus, I thought I would write this post to share some of what I am currently doing right now!
Tips When Moving From Abroad
The hardest part is navigating all of the criteria you need to meet to even apply for an apartment. It’s tricky: you need a debt extract form, but to get that you need a bank account, and to get a bank account you need an address…see? It’s tricky and there are work arounds, but the easiest thing I suggest is landing in Zurich at a serviced apartment. This will allow you to get an address, permit, and bank accounts so you can apply having all of the necessary documents. These are two serviced apartment companies I recommend: Mooi | Vision Apartments
Rental Properties and Prices
Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and this is reflected in its rental prices. The cost of renting an apartment varies significantly depending on the neighborhood, size, and amenities. Here’s a general idea of rental prices in Zurich city:
- Studio Apartments: CHF 1,200 – CHF 2,000 per month
- 1-Bedroom Apartments: CHF 1,800 – CHF 3,000 per month
- 2-Bedroom Apartments: CHF 2,500 – CHF 4,500 per month
- 3-Bedroom Apartments: CHF 3,500 – CHF 6,000 per month
Demand and Competition
Data shows that the number of houses available to rent has reached a 10-year low: there are 5.6 rent-seekers for every property available on the market, an increase of two people since 2021.
The Swiss Times.CH
Zurich’s rental market is highly competitive due to its strong economy and limited housing supply. Apartments in desirable locations are rented out within days of being listed. The demand is particularly high in neighborhoods like Seefeld, Enge, and Zurich West, which are popular for their proximity to the city center, public transportation, and amenities. With this demand, you will also want to begin your search early. I suggest start looking for an apartment at least 2-3 months before your desired move-in date.
Note: This guide won’t cover specific neighborhoods or areas as that’s not exactly my expertise. What I will tell you is that when searching for an apartment, it’s helpful to filter your searches in two ways: Zurich City and Zurich Canton. Zurich City refers to the central urban area with a vibrant lifestyle and higher rents, while Zurich Canton includes surrounding towns and municipalities with more diverse and often more affordable options. This approach gives you a wider range of choices depending on your needs and preferences.
Where to Look for an Apartment in Zurich (Online)
Online Platforms: Websites like Homegate, ImmoScout24, and Flatfox are popular for finding rental listings. These platforms allow you to filter searches by location, price, and size. You will 90% of the time find the same listings on each platform. You can also check out Ron Orp for local postings!
Facebook Groups: These are a few Facebook groups I am apart of and recommend for apartments listings. Zürich for Rent | Expats in Zurich
Things to Know About Apartments in Zurich
Finding an apartment in Zurich comes with a unique set of characteristics and expectations that are quite different than what you are used to. And to be honest, I was not prepared at all (for the physical and mental stress of it all). Here’s a quick overview of some key things to keep in mind as you begin your search:
No Closets: Swiss apartments do not come with built-in closets. Instead, tenants will bring their own wardrobes and storage solutions. This is surprising if you’re used to having ample closet space provided, so plan accordingly when looking at the square meters of a room.
Washer and Dryers: In Zurich, having a washer and dryer in your apartment is not a guarantee. Many buildings have communal laundry rooms in the basement, where residents share machines. There’s often a sign-up sheet or a booking system to schedule your laundry days, so be prepared to coordinate with your neighbors.
Windows with No Screens: Windows in Zurich apartments typically do not have screens. Landlords often emphasize the importance of opening windows daily to ventilate the apartment, which is a common practice for maintaining good air quality and preventing mold.
TV and Radio Tax: Switzerland has a mandatory TV and radio tax (Serafe) that all households must pay, regardless of whether they actually own a TV or radio. This fee helps fund public broadcasting services and is something you’ll need to budget for when moving into your new home. As of 2024 it is 335 francs a year.
Bomb Shelter in Basement: Many buildings in Zurich have bomb shelters in the basement. These are a remnant of Switzerland’s Cold War preparedness policies. While these shelters are not something you’ll likely use, they are also where your basement storage unit resides.
No Air Conditioning: Air conditioning is uncommon in Zurich apartments. The climate generally doesn’t require it, but during the occasional summer heatwave, it can get quite warm.
This is one you wouldn’t expect, but it REALLY impacts your life here…
Trash Nuances: Zurich’s waste disposal system is structured and complicated. You’ll need to purchase special trash bags called “Zuri-sacks” for your household waste, which are available at supermarkets. Recycling is taken very seriously, with separate collections for paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and organic waste. Familiarize yourself with the local recycling guidelines to avoid fines (which let me tell you, they WILL fine you if you dispose of waste incorrectly). This is a great article on understanding waste and recycling in Switzerland further – and how fines can be up to 10,000CHF!
Stay tuned for a more detailed post on these aspects, but for now, keep these points in mind as you start your apartment search in Zurich. They will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your move.
Construction in Zurich is everywhere which can make finding a quiet home difficult | Photo by Maryna Yanul Unsplash
Things You Need To Have Before Looking At Apartments
Before you start your apartment search in Zurich, it’s crucial to have several key items and preparations in place. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful search:
Temporary Address: Whether it’s a short-term rental, a friend’s place, or a serviced apartment, a local address can make the process easier and show landlords you are serious about moving.
Employment Confirmation: A stable job is a prerequisite for securing an apartment. Landlords prefer tenants who can demonstrate a reliable source of income, so having a job or a job offer is essential before you start your search.
Documentation: Landlords in Zurich typically require a comprehensive set of documents. Ensure you have the following ready:
- Proof of Income: Recent pay slips or a contract of employment.
- Credit Report (Betreibungsauszug): A recent credit report to demonstrate your financial responsibility. This is unique to Switzerland and you can get a copy from your bank or via Flatfox.
- References: Letters from previous landlords or a reference from your employer. *This is not always necessary, but a bonus if you have it. Many times landlord will call the HR department at your work to get this info, so it can save a call.
- Residence Permit: You’ll need to provide a valid residence permit or local ID.
Found an Apartment You Love? Here’s What You Do Next
Once you find an apartment you love you will be given a paper application or a QR code to apply. In addition to the application you will need to include:
#1. Personal Cover Letter
A well-written, in German, cover letter introducing yourself and explaining why you’re interested in the apartment. This is extremely important, as you will not be considered without this. You will need to include your job position, your annual salary, hobbies and interests, as well as a photo of the applicants. This is the strangest part to me!
#2. Complete Documentation
Ensure all required documents are organized and submitted promptly (from the list above).
- Proof of Income
- Credit Report (Betreibungsauszug)
- References
- Residence Permit
Extra Tips for Apartment Hunting
Be Prepared for Viewings
Zurich’s rental market is competitive, and it’s not uncommon to wait in line for apartment viewings. Be prepared for the possibility of viewing an apartment with several other interested parties. We’ve seen apartments where we waited in line for 30+ minutes, as well as a handful of apartments with over 100+ viewers. The current apartment we lived in over 75 people applied for!
Navigating the Current Tenant Dynamics
In Zurich, the current tenant often plays a significant role in recommending their successor to the landlord. It’s not a first-come, first-served system. To improve your chances:
- Engage with the Current Tenant: Be friendly and considerate, and shake hands (Swiss people love this when you enter their home). Current tenants may recommend you if they feel a connection or if you accommodate their needs.
- Incentives: Sometimes, tenants may request you to buy their furniture or move in at a time that suits them best. If you don’t agree to purchase items, they will often not recommend you. *We found our dream apartment just a few weeks ago and agreed to buy two large closets, a dining room table, and dining room chairs from the current tenet. However, we said we did not want to buy their couch that he also wanted to sell us. The current tenet did not select us to recommend to the landlord because of this. (Even though what we agreed to buy was already over 3,000 CHF)!
Google Map the Apartment Before Visiting
This might be my biggest piece of advice. You wouldn’t believe the way people describe apartments, only to arrive and realize it’s on a chaotic street, or directly facing a tram line. Use Google Maps to check the surrounding area of the apartment before you visit. Look for nearby amenities, public transport lines, and the general atmosphere of the neighborhood. This can save you time and prevent unpleasant surprises.
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