Which Swiss Cantons Have the Highest and Lowest Housing Availability in 2023?

The most recent data released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) sheds light on the availability of homes for rent or purchase in various Swiss cantons in 2023. Amidst a backdrop of housing shortages in major urban centers, the report reveals that only 1.15 percent of dwellings in Switzerland were unoccupied at the beginning of June.

Plummeting Vacancy Rates in Switzerland

According to the report, on June 1, 2023, there were 54,765 vacant residences across Switzerland, representing a decrease of 6,731 homes, or 11 percent, compared to June 2022. This marks the third consecutive year of declining vacancy rates, with the FSO highlighting that approximately 1.15 percent of the entire housing stock is presently available for rent or sale.

The FSO further notes that, in comparison to June 2022, the number of unoccupied rental homes dropped by 15.9 percent, with the most substantial declines observed in listings for 1.5 to 2.5-room residences. The only categories showing an increase in vacant housing stock were 5 and 6+-room rental properties, with vacancy rates rising by 2.9 and 18 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Zug and Geneva Report the Lowest Housing Availability

Concerning individual cantons, Zug and Geneva are identified as having the scarcest housing supply in Switzerland, with a mere 0.42 percent of all residences and apartments in these two cantons being unoccupied as of June 2023. Notably, 11 cantons now report vacancy rates of less than 1 percent, while 195 Swiss municipalities (Gemeinden) report having no vacant homes at all

These low vacancy rates significantly impact rental prices in Switzerland. A recent study by Swiss bank and investment firm Raiffeisen underscores that the scarcity of available housing in major cities is a primary driver of inflation in the housing market.

Which Swiss Cantons Face the Toughest Housing Market?

Here is the list of Swiss cantons with the least available homes, ranked by the percentage of residences available for rent or purchase:

1. Geneva (0.42)
2. Zug (0.42)
3. Obwalden (0.43)
4. Schwyz (0.5)
5. Zurich (0.53)
6. Graubünden (0.58)
7. Uri (0.64)
8. Nidwalden (0.82)
9. Basel-Land (0.92)
10. Lucerne (0.96)

In terms of the lowest number of available homes in absolute terms, Obwalden takes the lead, with just 96 vacant residences in the canton as of June 2023.

Jura Tops the List for Most Available Homes

While most regions have seen a decrease in their housing stocks, the FSO highlights that five cantons have experienced an increase in vacancy rates. Canton Jura ranks first with a vacancy rate of 3.17 percent, marking a 0.21 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The highest vacancy rate in the country is found in Romont, Canton Bern, with 14.88 percent of homes remaining unoccupied – a total of 18 dwellings available in this small town near Biel/Bienne. In terms of sheer numbers, Basel boasts the highest number of available homes at 1,114, although this accounts for just 1.07 percent of the city’s total housing stock.

Which Swiss Regions Offer the Most Housing?

Here is the list of Swiss cantons with the most available housing, ranked by the percentage of residences available for rent or purchase:

1. Jura (3.17)
2. Solothurn (2.39)
3. Ticino (2.17)
4. Neuchâtel (1.85)
5. Valais (1.69)
6. Appenzell Innerrhoden (1.59)
7. Thurgau (1.45)
8. Gallen (1.42)
9. Aargau (1.4)
10. Fribourg (1.38)