Apartment Search and Relocation Support in Zurich
SwissNest Relocation helps expats, professionals and families navigate the Zurich housing market. We support apartment searches, rental applications and relocation steps when moving to Zurich.
The Zurich Rental Market
Zurich has one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe. Attractive apartments often receive dozens of applications and decisions can happen quickly. Landlords typically expect:
proof of income
employer references
a debt register extract
a complete rental application
quick responses after viewings
Preparing the application dossier in advance significantly improves the chances of securing an apartment. SwissNest Relocation helps clients prepare and navigate this process.
Why Relocation Clients Choose SwissNest
We understand the Zurich rental market and landlord expectations and help clients prepare strong rental applications.
Local housing expertise
Instead of large relocation packages, SwissNest offers a flexible pay-as-you-go model - at times when you are available after work as well: evenings, weekends or holidays.
Flexible support
Clients receive personal support throughout the apartment search and relocation process.
Personal service
Typical Apartment Prices in Zurich
Zurich has one of the most competitive rental markets in Europe. The combination of strong demand, limited supply and strict application requirements makes securing an apartment challenging for many newcomers.
The vacancy rate for rental apartments in Zurich is around 0.1%, meaning only a few hundred apartments are available across the city at any time.
Popular apartments often receive dozens of applications within days.
Landlords usually expect tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent.
A well prepared rental application dossier can significantly improve your chances.
Working with SwissNest helps you navigate the process and prepare a strong application.
Typical rent prices for furnished and unfurnished apartments in Zurich
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Unfurnished
800 – 1200 EUR per month
(≈ 850 – 1300 CHF)Shared apartments are common for students, young professionals and newcomers moving to Zurich. Rooms are usually part of a 3–5 room apartment shared with other tenants.
Furnished
1000 – 1500 EUR per month
(≈ 1050 – 1600 CHF)Furnished rooms are often short term sublets or relocation housing and usually include internet, utilities and basic furniture.
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Unfurnished
1800 – 2600 EUR per month
(≈ 1900 – 2800 CHF)Studios in Zurich are usually between 25–40 m² and are most common in newer developments or renovated older buildings.
Furnished
2200 – 3200 EUR per month
(≈ 2400 – 3400 CHF)Furnished studios are popular with expats relocating to Zurich before securing long term housing. They often include utilities, internet and household equipment.
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Unfurnished
2400 – 3200 EUR per month
(≈ 2600 – 3400 CHF)1 bedroom apartments are one of the most common apartment types for individuals and couples relocating to Zurich.
Furnished
3000 – 4200 EUR per month
(≈ 3200 – 4500 CHF)Furnished apartments usually include utilities, internet and furniture and are typically used for temporary relocation housing.
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Unfurnished
3200 – 4600 EUR per month
(≈ 3400 – 4900 CHF)These apartments are common for couples, small families or professionals working from home.
Furnished
3800 – 5600 EUR per month
(≈ 4100 – 6000 CHF)Fully furnished apartments of this size are frequently used by relocation clients moving to Zurich for work assignments.
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Unfurnished
4300 – 6200 EUR per month
(≈ 4600 – 6600 CHF)Family apartments in Zurich are highly competitive and often receive many applications within a short time.
Furnished
5200 – 7500 EUR per month
(≈ 5600 – 8000 CHF)Furnished family apartments are less common and usually located in newer developments or premium neighborhoods.
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Unfurnished
5500 – 10000+ EUR per month
(≈ 6000 – 11000+ CHF)Most rental houses near Zurich are located outside the city center in municipalities around Lake Zurich.
Furnished
7000 – 12000+ EUR per month
(≈ 7500 – 13000+ CHF)Furnished houses are usually executive rentals used by relocating professionals or families moving to Zurich.
Our Apartment Search Process
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Search profile
We review your requirements including budget, preferred neighborhoods and commuting needs.
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Application preparation
We review your requirements including budget, preferred neighborhoods and commuting needs.
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Apartment search
We monitor listings daily and organize viewings for suitable apartments.
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Applications and contract
We submit applications and support the process until the rental contract is signed.
Zurichs best neighborhoods
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions when moving to Zurich. Each district has its own character, lifestyle and price level.
What are the best neighborhoods for professionals and singles?Wiedikon (Kreis 3)
Trendy restaurants, cafés and excellent public transport connections. Popular with young professionals.
Kreis 4 (Langstrasse / Aussersihl)
Creative, international and vibrant. Known for nightlife, startups and cultural diversity.
Kreis 5 (Zurich West)
Modern district with loft apartments, offices, restaurants and design studios.
Seefeld (Kreis 8)
Close to the lake, elegant and walkable. Popular with international professionals.
What are the best neighborhoods for families?Wollishofen
Quiet residential district near Lake Zurich with parks, schools and playgrounds.
Enge
Central but calm neighborhood with good schools and lake access.
Kilchberg
Upscale suburb with lake views and quick train connections to Zurich.
Adliswil, Thalwil and Horgen
Popular family areas on the left side of the lake with international schools nearby.
What are the best neighborhoods for dog owners?Wollishofen
Close to Allmend park and lake walking paths.
Adliswil
Direct access to forests and hiking trails.
Leimbach
Quiet residential area near the Sihl river and Uetliberg mountain.
5 ★ rating on Google
Trusted by professionals and families relocating to Zurich
★★★★★ “SwissNest Relocation supported us with our apartment search in Zurich and with settling in.”
They guided us through viewings, explained the local rental market and helped us feel at home more quickly. Having their support gave us peace of mind and saved us time.
— Relocation client, EU → Zurich
★★★★★ “SwissNest Relocation made our move to Switzerland much smoother.”
They helped us from finding an apartment and attending viewings on our behalf to navigating the healthcare system. The team was always available via WhatsApp to offer timely advice about the housing market and different neighborhoods.
— Family relocation with 2 kids, EU → Zurich
★★★★★ “SwissNest Relocation in Zürich supported me greatly with practical advice and personal guidance for my relocation to Switzerland.”
They explained important local expectations, gave me clarity on cultural differences and helped me feel well prepared for the next steps. Thanks to their professional and friendly support, settling in Zürich became much easier.
— Relocation client, Germany → Zurich
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