Find an Apartment in Zurich
Housing Help for Expats
Zurich has Switzerland's most competitive housing market. ReloFinder helps you compare relocation providers and choose the right agency for your search in Zurich. We don't deliver the services ourselves — we connect you to the ideal partner.
ReloFinder is a comparison platform. We help you evaluate relocation providers and choose the right agency for your needs. We do not deliver these services ourselves.
Need Help Finding Your Zurich Home?
Get exclusive insider access to off-market flats on the Gold Coast, Silver Coast, and throughout Zurich
Our relocation partners with us and gives free consultations to users
Why Housing in Zurich Is Challenging
Zurich has one of Europe's most competitive rental markets with unique challenges for expats
Vacancy Rates Under 0.5%
Zurich consistently has the lowest vacancy rates in Switzerland, often under 0.5%. Apartments receive 10-30 applications within 24 hours of listing. Lakeside districts like the Gold Coast (Küsnacht, Meilen, Zollikon) and desirable neighborhoods (Seefeld, Enge) are even more competitive with wait lists common for quality properties.
Multiple Applications Within 24 Hours
Good apartments list and rent within one day. You must be ready to view immediately, apply same-day, and compete with 10-30 other qualified applicants. Landlords prioritize Swiss nationals, long-term employment contracts, and perfect documentation. Hesitation means losing the apartment to someone with a complete dossier ready to submit.
Strict Documentation Requirements
Zurich landlords require: Betreibungsregisterauszug (debt collection certificate), Swiss work contract, last 3 salary slips, residence permit, ID, and often previous landlord references. Missing any document disqualifies your application. The Betreibungsregisterauszug must be obtained from your current canton and is unfamiliar to new arrivals. Professional dossier preparation is essential.
Unfurnished Rentals Without Fixtures
Standard Zurich rentals are unfurnished, often without light fixtures, kitchen appliances (except stove), or kitchen cabinets in older buildings. Budget CHF 5,000-15,000 for furnishing. Furnished apartments are rare, expensive (30-50% premium), and have shorter leases. Temporary corporate housing fills the gap but costs CHF 3,000-5,000/month for a basic apartment.
Gold Coast vs Silver Coast Competition
The Gold Coast (Goldküste) - Küsnacht, Meilen, Zollikon - has sunny south-facing exposure and premium rents (CHF 2,400-4,500 for 2.5-3.5 rooms). Extremely competitive with long wait lists. The Silver Coast (Silberküste) - Horgen, Thalwil, Rüschlikon - is more family-friendly with slightly better availability (CHF 1,900-3,600) but still competitive. Both require insider connections for the best properties.
Expert Insight
Without agency support, Zurich apartment searches typically take 3-6 months with high frustration levels. Many expats settle for suboptimal locations or overpay for temporary housing. Relocation agencies with off-market access (apartments from departing expats) reduce search time to 4-8 weeks and secure better properties through landlord relationships and professional presentation.
How Agencies Help in Zurich
ReloFinder connects you with agencies specializing in Zurich's competitive housing market
Off-Market & Insider Access
Agencies connect you with departing expats before apartments hit the public market. This includes Gold Coast properties in Küsnacht and Zollikon, Silver Coast homes in Horgen and Thalwil, and desirable city neighborhoods like Seefeld and Enge. Off-market access bypasses the 10-30 applicant competition, giving you first-look advantage before listings appear on Homegate or ImmoScout24.
Application Dossier & Landlord Presentation
Professional dossier preparation with all required Zurich documents: Betreibungsregisterauszug, work contract, salary slips, residence permit, ID, and landlord references. Agencies present your application with context and credibility, significantly improving approval rates. They navigate Zurich landlord preferences and position you as an ideal tenant among the 10-30 competing applications.
Lease Review & Handover Support
Review Zurich lease contracts for unfair terms, rent increases, and deposit requirements (typically 3 months rent in blocked account). Attend move-in handover (Übergabeprotokoll) to document every defect, protecting your deposit. Agencies ensure you understand Swiss tenant rights, Nebenkosten (utility costs), and cancellation procedures specific to Zurich canton regulations.
Temporary Housing During Search
Furnished temporary apartments in Zurich (CHF 2,500-5,000/month) while you search for permanent housing. Locations near transport hubs (Oerlikon, Altstetten) or short-term corporate housing in central districts. Agencies coordinate overlap between temporary and permanent housing, ensuring smooth transition and avoiding expensive hotel stays during the 4-8 week search period.
Ready to Find Your Zurich Apartment?
Get insider access to Gold Coast and Silver Coast properties with expert agency support
Our relocation partners with us and gives free consultations to users
Zurich Neighborhoods
Popular areas for expats including the famous Gold Coast and Silver Coast
Gold Coast (Goldküste)
Küsnacht, Meilen, Zollikon
Right side of Lake Zurich with sunny south-facing exposure. Premium area with CHF 2,400-4,500/month for 2.5-3.5 room apartments. International schools nearby (Inter-Community School, Zurich International School). Extremely competitive with long wait lists for quality properties. Excellent for families seeking lakeside living.
Silver Coast (Silberküste)
Horgen, Thalwil, Rüschlikon
Left side of Lake Zurich. More family-friendly with gardens and quieter atmosphere. CHF 1,900-3,600/month for 2.5-3.5 rooms. Slightly better availability than Gold Coast but still competitive. Good train connections to Zurich HB (15-25 minutes). Popular with families seeking space and lake proximity at more moderate prices.
Wiedikon
Family-friendly, central, international community. CHF 2,200-3,200 for 2.5-3.5 rooms.
Enge
Lake access, premium apartments near CBD, walkable. CHF 2,500-3,800 for 2.5-3.5 rooms.
Oerlikon
New builds, transport hub, more availability. CHF 1,900-2,800 for 2.5-3.5 rooms.
Seefeld
Highly desirable, limited supply, lakeside living. CHF 2,600-4,000 for 2.5-3.5 rooms.
Your Zurich Housing Process
Follow this proven process for finding an apartment in Zurich
Discovery Call: Define Criteria
Work with agency to define budget (CHF 2,000-4,500 typical for 2.5-3.5 rooms), preferred districts (Gold Coast vs Silver Coast vs city), lake vs city preference, proximity to work/schools, and must-haves (balcony, parking, garden). Agency assesses your application strength and prepares strategy for Zurich's competitive market.
Timeline: 1 consultation call, 1-2 hours
Shortlist & Fast Viewings
Receive off-market leads and public listings matching your criteria. Schedule viewings within 24 hours of listing. Be ready to apply same-day for desirable properties on Gold Coast, Silver Coast, or Seefeld. Agency coordinates logistics and prepares you with neighborhood insights and landlord background.
Timeline: 2-6 weeks of active searching and viewings
Dossier Prep & Application
Complete dossier with ID, residence permit, work contract, 3 salary slips, Betreibungsregisterauszug (debt register), and references. Agency presents application professionally to landlord, improving approval odds against 10-30 competing applicants. Follow-up and communication handled by agency.
Timeline: Same-day application for hot properties
Lease Negotiation & Handover
Review lease contract for unfair terms, negotiate rent if possible, understand Nebenkosten costs, and arrange 3-month deposit in blocked account. Attend move-in handover (Übergabeprotokoll) with agency to document defects and protect deposit. Receive keys and move-in checklist.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks from application approval to handover
Move-In & Municipality Registration
Register with Zurich municipality (Kreisbüro) within 14 days of move-in. Set up utilities, internet, and insurance. Connect with neighborhood resources and expat communities. Agency provides ongoing support for questions about Swiss living, local services, and community integration.
Timeline: Complete within 14 days of move-in
Key Facts for Zurich Housing
Vacancy Rates
Often under 0.5%, one of the lowest in Europe
Average Rent (2.5-room)
CHF 2,000-2,600/month + Nebenkosten CHF 150-250
Gold Coast Premium
Sunny exposure, CHF 2,400-4,500 for lakeside properties
Silver Coast Value
Family-friendly, CHF 1,900-3,600 with better availability
Required Documents
Betreibungsregisterauszug mandatory for all applications
Furnishing
Most rentals unfurnished, often without light fixtures
Trusted Zurich Housing Partners
Expert agencies with off-market access to Zurich apartments
Prime Relocation
🏆 Preferred PartnerExclusive Gold Coast and Silver Coast access in Zurich. Prime Relocation provides expert home hunting support including off-market apartments in Küsnacht, Horgen, and throughout greater Zurich with comprehensive rental guidance for expats.
Our relocation partners work with us and provide free consultations
Other Trusted Zurich Specialists
Lodge Relocation
Comprehensive housing services with 25+ years experience in Zurich rental markets
Auris Relocation
Expert housing specialists helping expats navigate Zurich's competitive rental market
ReloFinder is a Comparison Platform
We help you evaluate relocation providers and choose the right agency for your needs based on services offered, expertise, and client reviews. We do not deliver these services ourselves — we connect you with trusted agencies who specialize in Swiss relocations.
Ready to Start Your Housing Search in Zurich?
Get expert support finding your perfect apartment on the Gold Coast, Silver Coast, or in Zurich city. Our trusted agencies provide off-market access and professional application support.
✓ Gold Coast & Silver Coast access • ✓ Off-market apartments • ✓ Professional dossier support