How to Find an Apartment in Zurich
TL;DR
Finding apartments in Zurich is not the main challenge. Getting selected is. The rental market is highly competitive, especially for expats. A structured approach can significantly improve your chances and reduce the time needed to secure an apartment.
“I keep getting rejected”
Many expats come to Zurich with a good income, strong background and realistic expectations, and still struggle to find an apartment.
Common thoughts we hear:
“I keep getting rejected”
“I don’t understand what landlords want”
“I have the budget, but no success”
“I am moving in 1–3 months and feel stuck”
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
The reality of the Zurich rental market
Many expats underestimate how competitive the Zurich rental market is.
Most people start on platforms like Homegate. That is the easy part.
The reality looks different:
• Good apartments are often gone within hours, sometimes before they are publicly listed
• Viewings fill up quickly, often during working hours
• It is not unusual to see 50+ applicants for apartments under CHF 3’000 per month
• Landlords compare profiles and select the strongest overall application
• Small mistakes can lead to immediate rejection
Finding apartments is usually not the problem. Getting selected is.
Why most expats fail to secure an apartment
In most cases, it is not bad luck.
It is a combination of structural challenges and avoidable mistakes.
1. The application is not competitive enough
Even with a good salary, applications often lack structure or positioning.
2. Timing is underestimated
Many listings are effectively decided within a very short time window.
3. The process is misunderstood
Landlords do not choose randomly. They compare risk, stability and overall fit.
4. Expectations are not aligned with the market
Budget, location and flexibility need to match current demand.
How the apartment search actually works
A successful apartment search in Zurich is not about applying more.
It is about applying better.
A structured approach typically includes:
• Preparing a complete and well-positioned application dossier
• Applying quickly and consistently
• Understanding which listings are realistic for your profile
• Presenting your situation clearly to landlords
• Following up at the right time
This is where most applicants struggle without guidance.
Unfurnished vs furnished apartments
Most expats initially look for unfurnished apartments.
In practice, this approach works best if you have:
enough time for the search process
flexibility for viewings
the ability to cover upfront costs
Typical upfront costs can include:
rental deposit (often CHF 6’000–15’000)
first rent payment
basic furnishing
A faster alternative
For some situations, furnished apartments can be a more practical option.
Through partners, this can offer:
• no deposit
• lower upfront costs
• faster move-in
• flexible duration
This can be especially useful if:
you are relocating on short notice
you want to avoid months of uncertainty
you prefer a smoother start in Zurich
What a successful strategy looks like
A strong apartment search strategy is not based on trial and error.
It is based on:
• realistic expectations
• correct positioning
• fast execution
• clear communication
• understanding landlord priorities
Many clients come to us after spending weeks or months applying without success.
Starting with a structured approach usually saves time and avoids unnecessary frustration.
When it makes sense to get help
It can make sense to get professional support early if you are:
• moving within the next 1–3 months
• applying without success
• unsure how to position your application
• relocating from abroad
• balancing the search with a full-time job
In practice, we typically work with clients with housing budgets above CHF 2’000 per month, where competition is still high but options become more realistic.
Final thoughts
The Zurich rental market is one of the most competitive in Europe.
Many expats underestimate how selective the process is.
With the right strategy, preparation and timing, your chances improve significantly.
Discuss your situation
If you are currently applying and not getting results, it can help to step back and review your approach early. You can discuss your situation in a free 20 minute consultation, also available after working hours or on weekends: https://swissnest.as.me/
Guides
Moving to Zurich Guide
Best Neighborhoods in Zurich
Cost of Living Zurich
