Expat Housing Guide: Moving to Zurich

Zurich has one of the most competitive and expensive housing markets in Europe, with consistently low vacancy rates (below 1%). Prices have been steadily increasing for years, driven by strong economic growth, limited land availability, and strict building regulations. The market offers a mix of historic buildings in the city center, mid-century apartment blocks in middle-ring neighborhoods, and modern developments in outer areas. Most residents rent rather than own, with approximately 70% of Zurich's population living in rental accommodations. The market is highly internationalized, catering to the city's large expatriate community with professional rental agencies and multilingual services, though competition remains fierce for all housing types.