In order to start a new life in Switzerland, many choose to rent a house or apartment. The residency requirements for purchasing a home are such that all expats must rent for the first few years of holding a residence permit to be qualified to buy a house.
The rental market in Switzerland has many lucrative options for expats. It is essential that you pick the right accommodation for your needs and make sure that you know what is involved in renting in Switzerland, as well as predicting what you can afford if you are looking for a job.
Rental market in Switzerland
The Swiss rental market is characterised by a vast range of prices for property. Although cheaper places are viable to live in for expats due to excellent public transport, most expats still choose to live near or in a city in Switzerland. This can lead to high prices in the cities of Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, and Lucerne.
Most rental properties include basic utilities as part of the total rent or as an additional fee. It is possible to rent all housing types, ranging from small city apartments to extensive alpine chalets.
Relocation services in Switzerland
In order to help you move into your dream home, relocation services will help you. The services provided by moving agents range from assisting with house-hunting to the setting up of basic services and vehicles. Many international companies give you a relocation agent for free so that the transition to living in Switzerland is as easy as possible for you and your family.
Moving agents in Switzerland
If you need furniture moving from your old home to your new home in Switzerland, you can use our selection of expat friendly moving services. These companies can assist you in all forms of trans-national and trans-continental moving services to Switzerland. These companies are well trained and can assist you in making sure all your personal belongings arrive safely.
Rental contracts & housing rights
The Swiss system of renting accommodation places the responsibility of writing and agreeing to rental contracts solely on the landlord and the prospective tenant. When you are renting for the first time, it is important to know what to expect from your rental contract, know what obligations you have to the landlord, and what your rights are to cancel or terminate your rental contract.
Rental deposit
As part of most rental contracts, you will have to provide a rental deposit. This deposit is designed to protect against any mistreatment of the property from the tenant, as well as cover any damage or maintenance that cannot be explained by regular wear and tear. When you get your security deposit back, such as when you move out of Switzerland, it is vital that you know what the reasons are for a withheld deposit and what can be done to make sure it does not happen.
Subletting
If you plan to be away from your home in Switzerland, or you no longer need as much space, you can consider subletting. Subletting is where you accept a tenant to live in your house or in a room in your house for a fixed period of time. This can be a great way of earning cashback on your property while you are not using it. Bear in mind that only some landlords will allow subletting, and it is vital that you know what your responsibilities as a subletter are.
