Rental prices in Swiss cities became markedly more expensive last year even though vacancy rates are increasing in Switzerland. The latest study from real estate portal Homegate.ch reveals the disparity between urban and rural areas.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
Português
pt
Preços dos aluguéis urbanos sobem apesar do aumento dos imóveis vazios
Zurich saw the biggest leap in rental prices in 2019, rising 3.3% in the year. This compares to a 0.6% average rental hike across the country. The cities of Basel and Bern saw a rise of 1.8%, while people seeking accommodation in Geneva had to pay 1.5% more.
This comes at a time when the Swiss central bank is maintaining rock-bottom interest rates (-0.75%), a monetary policy stance that favours property buyers more than people renting accommodation. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) and a range of other forecasters predict very low inflationExternal link this year.
Canton Graubünden in southeast Switzerland, which is sparsely populated yet a popular location for tourists and people buying second homes, saw rent prices increase by 1.2%. Canton Ticino, bordering Italy, witnessed a -0.6% drop.
Rental prices also fell in the northwestern canton of Jura and the centrally located canton Lucerne (both -0.3%).
Homegate expects rental prices to continue to increase this year, fuelled by immigration to urban centres. “The recovery in urban rents is likely to continue to mask the vacancy problem in rural areas,” it statedExternal link.
Popular Stories
More
Culture
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Switzerland announces candidacy to chair OSCE in 2026
This content was published on
Switzerland is officially in the running to chair the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2026, the foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Switzerland assumes protecting power mandate for Ecuador in Venezuela
This content was published on
At Quito's request, Switzerland will represent Ecuador's interests in Venezuela, the Swiss foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Swiss researchers find security flaws in AI models
This content was published on
Artificial intelligence (AI) models can be manipulated despite existing safeguards. With targeted attacks, scientists in Lausanne have been able to trick these systems into generating dangerous or ethically dubious content.
Two Swiss nationals indicted for supporting Islamic State
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has filed charges against two Swiss nationals, aged 22 and 28, who are accused of supporting the banned terrorist group Islamic State.
This content was published on
The Swiss parliament has finalised the 2025 federal budget, with the army receiving more money at the expense of foreign aid.
Switzerland expresses sympathy after earthquake hits South Pacific
This content was published on
"Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu who are struggling with the consequences of this devastating earthquake," the Swiss embassy in Australia said.
This content was published on
The Swiss agricultural sector is to benefit from greater federal support between 2026 and 2029, after a vote by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The Swiss are building empty homes in the suburbs
This content was published on
There are enough of them, but in the wrong places – this is the housing market in Switzerland. Photographer Sophie Stieger has documented the paradox.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.