Housing shortage in Switzerland

Finding a home in Switzerland is becoming increasingly difficult. For the sixth consecutive year, the share of vacant apartments has decreased, falling to 1%. In other words, 99% of the country’s housing stock is now occupied. The region most affected is Vaud and Geneva, but the shortage extends across the entire country.

According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the vacancy rate fell by 0.08 percentage points between June 1, 2024 and June 1, 2025, dropping from 1.08% to 1%. This leaves just over 48,000 homes empty nationwide—around 3,600 fewer than a year earlier.

At the national level, Geneva remains the tightest market, followed by Zug (0.42%) and Zurich (0.48%). Basel-City (0.92%) is slightly better off. In total, 15 cantons now show vacancy rates below 1%, indicating widespread pressure on the housing market. Families are the most affected, as three- and four-room apartments are the most in demand.