Rental

Two out of  three people in Switzerland live in rented accommodation. Demand is high and availability of space scarce, especially in cities and large urban areas. Since 2003, the vacancy rate has been varying around the 1% mark (2007: 1.07%). It therefore takes some patience and luck to find the right apartment. Apartments in Switzerland are usually vacated unfurnished. Kitchens are fully equipped and generally include a dishwasher in addition to an oven and refrigerator. For a four-room apartment (three bedrooms, one living room, kitchen and bathroom), the average rent is CHF1,354 per month (as of first quarter 2009), although rents vary widely by region. Prices also depend on the age of the apartment and the quality of the interior.

Market prices for rental apartments, as of fourth quarter 2008
Net rents in CHF per square metre of net internal area per year (median)

Source: Wüest & Partner

A number of factors can affect rents. The cantons with the highest rents are usually prime locations within reach of major urban centres. Another factor that explains high rents is a low tax burden.