Most Swiss people live in rented flats. In central areas, the availability of vacant flats is often limited because building land is scarce. Rents are therefore higher than in surrounding areas. So it can be worth looking for a flat outside the centres. Even smaller places are generally well connected to public transport services.
Renting a flat or house
The easiest way to find a flat or house to rent is to use the many property platforms online or advertise in local newspapers, on bulletin boards and on social media. It may even be worth asking your employer or people you know, because not all flats are publicly advertised.
Popular property platforms for looking for somewhere to live:
«There are few finer places in which to live and work than Lucerne.»
Buying a flat or a house
In the canton of Lucerne, certain restrictions apply for foreign nationals buying flats or houses:
- A person with a C settlement permit may purchase property in the canton of Lucerne with no restrictions.
- EU/EFTA citizens with a B residence permit may also purchase property.
- People from other countries with a B residence permit may buy property provided they plan to live in it themselves.
- People with other types of residence permits such as L or F are not allowed to purchase property.
You can get more precise information and details of the relevant regulations from the responsible land registry office. You are recommended to find out about the relevant regulations and requirements before buying property in the canton of Lucerne so that you avoid any legal confusion.
Submitting an application for a rented flat
Looking for somewhere to live in Switzerland can be difficult as demand often exceeds supply. If you want to apply for a flat, you should follow the steps below:
- Make contact
Contact the landlord or the property management company and make an appointment for a viewing. There are also often set viewing dates (as per the advertisement) when you can go and see the flat directly. - Submitting application documents
If you want to apply for the flat, you normally have to complete an application form. Most landlords also ask for an extract from the debt collection register and details of your employment and income. Landlords have the right to ask for references to confirm the information given (usually the employer as a reference). - Face-to-face appointment
In some cases, a face-to-face appointment is arranged. At this appointment, you can introduce yourself personally to the landlord or the property manager.
There are usually many people applying for each flat, so we recommend that you apply for several flats at the same time. This will give you a better chance of being accepted.
If you are new to Switzerland, various temporary accommodation options (e.g. furnished rooms) are also available until you have found a suitable flat. Your employer will be happy to help you if required.
