Rental prices in Zurich

[SuzeMcG]

Hi. My DH has an interview in Zurich next month. We like the sound of the lifestyle there and DD is only 9 months old so it might be a good time to go.

We are concerned about rental prices there and would appreciate if anyone can answer the following questions:

• About how much in rent would we need to pay for a nice 2/3 bed apartment in a decent area?
• We heard that Zurich is small, so can you get a nice place within a 45 minute commute of the city (ideally pretty central)? The company at which DH is interviewing is near the airport.
• Do people mostly rent or buy? I've read there is a property boom at the high end of the market!
• If people tend to rent rather than buy, are leases usually one year or longer?

I see that there is a Yahoo group for expats in Switzerland so will join that too and try to find out more.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Forgot to say that we currently live in London so are used to spending a fair amount on rent!

Hi Suze

About how much in rent would we need to pay for a nice 2/3 bed apartment in a decent area? - I'd say about CHF2500 - 3500 a month

• We heard that Zurich is small, so can you get a nice place within a 45 minute commute of the city (ideally pretty central)? The company at which DH is interviewing is near the airport. - definitely, any commute should be under an hour, kreis 10 and 11 are quite decent, we used to live in Neu Oerlikon
• Do people mostly rent or buy? I've read there is a property boom at the high end of the market! - Mostly rent, very hard to sell on a property. Property prices I think bit cheaper than London but not much, mortgages are very low but you usually have to put down 20 or 25% deposit in cash which makes it really prohibitive....
• If people tend to rent rather than buy, are leases usually one year or longer? - I think 6 months or longer. There are usually a fixed number of times in the year when you can break your lease, say 1 October, 1 Jan etc. If you want to leave outside those dates you have to find someone to take over your lease or you are liable for the cost.

www.homegate.ch is a good site to get an idea of what's what.

PS Switzerland is wonderful! We moved here 2 years on a work secondment and are now permanent. Weather, lifestyle, pace of live, quality of services all outstanding. And not too far from the UK for (all the inevitable) visitors... And there's even a Wagamamas now - bliss. Can't speak the language but isn't a big problem, other expats very friendly so easy to meet people. I am a big fan....

Thanks so much Newb. Hope DH gets the job now. London is v. depressing at the moment.

I speak French and Italian but not Swiss German so glad to hear that isn't a problem.

I was thinking of going back to work when DD is 18 months old. Will have to look into what I could do there.

Anyway, thanks again.

*About how much in rent would we need to pay for a nice 2/3 bed apartment in a decent area?
We paid about 3000chf for a 3 bed 1st floor flat incl garage space in a suburb (in the Zimmerberg area) but areas can vary form 2000 upwards. Lower rents in higher tax areas !

• We heard that Zurich is small, so can you get a nice place within a 45 minute commute of the city (ideally pretty central)? The company at which DH is interviewing is near the airport. Airport if quite a way out of Zurich itself, at least 15-20mins by rail, but there are plenty of nice places within a 20 min journey of the main station.

• Do people mostly rent or buy? I've read there is a property boom at the high end of the market! Most rent unless you plan to stay indefinitely.

• If people tend to rent rather than buy, are leases usually one year or longer? Leases are usually indefinite , but are typically effective from April 1st and October 1st. Ours required a full 3 months notice before one of those dates to move out unless you can find someone to take over the lease yourself and who landlord approves of. More properties are available aroudn those dates. Private rentals can be for longer, differing dates and/or fixed terms. Will you have the assistance of a relocation consultant to guide you through the system ?

do join Yahoo groups - there is one for Families in Zurich and another for Expat Mu(o)ms

What do you do ? There are limited opportunities for trailing spouses , especially without German and daycare is expensive.

Thanks Liz.
I think the company will help with relocation, so hopefully.

I am a technical author and mostly worked in the financial area, have also done localization and some translation (French -> English). Could possibly get freelance work from the UK/US when the market improves. I'm keen to learn German though.

There are some sites that offer jobs for people who only speak english. I think French and italian will help you to get work. Most people I know eventually find something. Also the big multinationals will take people without German, I work in HR for one (though transferred my job from London so easier) and in internal roles it's more a "nice to have" than a must have if you have the skills they need and if English is the business language.

Good to know, Newb. Childcare is expensive around here too, so that wouldn't put me off going.

Thank you both for the advice.

I think another big advantage would be that your LO will learn another language as well. We're planning to put ours (well when it's born!) into Swiss nursery so he or she can deal with the electrician for us!

Great idea! And congrats on your pregnancy.

I really like the sound of Zurich but my dh isn't sure about the role. I was already picturing myself skiing down a mountain whilst eating Toblerone. However, if this job isn't suitable, I think we will continue to look over there.