If you don't need much space in your home, then why should you pay for a large apartment? Instead, you could choose to rent a 1 bedroom apartment in Switzerland that will offer just enough space for you without large, empty rooms. A 1 bedroom apartment for rent is easy to find when you use Homegate.

Our search tools will make it easy to find a 1 bedroom apartment rental that offers all of the amenities, the location, and the price point that appeals to you. We make it easy for you to find the right place to live in the country.

Renting a 1-room flat in Switzerland

A 1-room flat provides compact living space at a fair price. This type of property is in high demand in Swiss cities and university towns. Important note: a 1-room flat has one room for living/sleeping; the kitchen and bathroom are not part of that room and are not included in the room count. A studio, on the other hand, is usually a single large room with a kitchenette or kitchen-diner integrated into that room; the bathroom is separate. Property listings sometimes conflate the terms, so make sure to check the floor plans and fixtures and fittings carefully.

Advantages of renting a 1-room flat at a glance

• Net rent generally lower than for larger flats

• Small space means lower utility costs

• Often centrally located near public transport, jobs and universities

• Easy to furnish – ready to move in quickly

• Low energy consumption and minimal maintenance

• Ideal for commuters during the week or for people looking for short-term/temporary accommodation

Market overview: 1-room flats in Switzerland

• Number of 1-room flats: 315'987
• Vacancy rate: 1.27%
• New 1-room flats built in the last 5 years: 13'442
• Average price for a 1-room flat: CHF 802'000
• Median price for a 1-room flat: CHF 567'500
• Top quartile price for a 1-room flat: CHF 1'211'865
• Median monthly rent for a 1-room flat: CHF 1640
• Bottom quartile rent for a 1-room flat: CHF 1300
• Top quartile rent for a 1-room flat: CHF 2070

There are 4'840'096 flats in Switzerland, of which 315'987 are one-room flats. Over the last five years, 13'442 new one-room units have been built. The vacancy rate for one-room flats is 1.27% (overall vacancy rate: 1.01%). Supply remains tight in city centres, but a wider selection of properties is available in suburbs and rural areas. The average monthly rent for rental properties in Switzerland is CHF 1640 (25% of properties cost CHF 1300 or less, while 75% cost CHF 2070 or less). The rent for one-room flats is often below the average – prime locations are the exception. Trends include micro-living, furnished short-term rentals and energy-efficient buildings.

Who is a 1-room flat suitable for?

One-room flats are suitable for singles, students, young professionals, weekly commuters and expats who want to live in an efficient, centrally located space. They are less suitable for couples or families who need more room, for people who work from home regularly and need an office, or for people with a lot of possessions. Renters who need a lot of storage space or who have frequent visitors would also be better served with a larger floor plan.

Costs: what you can expect to pay when renting

In addition to the net rent, you will have to pay utility costs (provisional advance payments or a flat rate) for heating, hot water and building maintenance. Electricity, internet and any parking spaces are usually charged separately. The rental deposit is usually up to three months’ rent (escrow account or bond insurance). Rents can be adjusted in line with the federal reference interest rate; check the clauses in your tenancy agreement. Your tax burden will also impact your budget: as a rough guide, the average tax rate is 12.38%, with single people paying an average of 18.29% – this varies depending on the canton and the taxpayer’s individual situation. As a rule of thumb, your housing costs should not exceed one third of your net income.

How to find the right 1-room flat

1. Set your budget: factor in net rent, utilities, deposit and the cost of the house move.

2. Prioritise location: public transport connections, commute time, neighbourhood, noise and amenities.

3. Check the property: floor plan, separate kitchen, storage space/storeroom, balcony, cellar, laundry room.

4. Clarify utility costs: provisional advance payments vs. flat rate, heating system, energy efficiency, parking space.

5. Review the contract: notice periods (Swiss Code of Obligations, OR), house rules, subletting, reference interest rate.

6. Prepare application documents: credit report, payslips, ID.

7. Act quickly: view the property promptly, submit documents immediately.