Rent a 5-bedroom-apartment
Renting a 5-room flat or larger in Switzerland
Do you need a lot of space? A flat with five or more rooms offers space for family, working from home and hobbies. In Switzerland, these types of flats are in high demand, especially in neighbourhoods with good transport links and amenities. Here, you will find the most important information about the benefits, property market, costs and tenancy law.
Advantages of large rental flats at a glance
Plenty of space: option to have separate bedrooms, office and guest room
Flexible use for families, flat shares or multi-generational households
More storage space and often two bathrooms
More space to retreat and more peace and quiet in everyday life
Long-term housing option with room for growth
Market overview for large rental flats in Switzerland
The Swiss housing stock comprises 4’840’096 flats. Five-room flats account for 715’989 units (around 15%), while flats with six or more rooms account for 10’938 (approx. 9%). Together, large flats make up around 24% of the housing stock. Over the last five years, 235’897 new flats have been built, 26’158 of which have five rooms and 10’938 of which have at least six rooms – a total of 42,045, or 16.6% of new builds. In contrast, around 79% of new builds have two to four rooms, meaning that development is primarily focused on creating compact living space. The overall vacancy rate is 1.01%; it is 0.71% for 5-room flats and 0.69% for flats with more than 5 rooms – around half the overall figure. With the population having changed by 1.54%, to 9’051’029, demand in Switzerland remains stable. The average rent in the country is approximately CHF 1640 per month; large flats often cost significantly more, depending on their location and amenities.
Who is a large rental flat suitable for?
A large flat is ideal for families with several children, couples who work from home permanently, flat shares and multi-generational households. It is less suitable for singles or households on a tight budget, as rent and utility costs are higher and availability is lower (below-average vacancy rates). Flat-hunters searching in central locations will also be less likely to find large flats.
What costs are involved in renting?
You pay the net rent plus utilities (e.g. heating/hot water, building maintenance, communal electricity). The rental deposit is usually 1 to 3 months’ rent. In certain cantons, the initial rent must be specified in writing on an official form. Adjustments to the rent must be based on the reference interest rate and inflation in accordance with the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR). Rents are not tax-deductible; your personal tax burden will vary depending on your situation (e.g. a married couple with two children will pay approximately 116.81% in tax, while a single person will pay approximately 116.81%). Plan your budget with your income in mind, alongside additional costs such as parking, removal costs and the cost of furnishing the flat.
How to find the right large flat
Determine how much space you need: bedrooms, study, storage.
Choose the location: proximity to public transport, schools, shopping and leisure facilities.
Set a realistic budget: net rent, utilities, deposit.
Check the floor plan and room sizes: no pass-through rooms.
Assess the condition and energy efficiency of the building: year of construction, heating, insulation, operating costs.
Know your tenancy rights: mandatory forms, reference interest rate, utilities statement.
Have your documents ready: credit report, proof of income, copy of ID.
View the property in person: noise, neighbourhood, house rules, policy on pets.