Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

Fig. 27: Construction sites: market prices for commercial buildings, as of fourth quarter 2008
In CHF per square meter (average location, no buildings, with roads and services)
over 1,500
1,000 to 1,500
500 to 1,000
250 to 500
150 to 250
below 150
Source: Wüest & Partner
7.3 Residential properties.
7.3.1 Rental
Two in three people in Switzerland live in rented accommodation.
Demand is high and availability scarce, especially in cities and large
urban areas. Since 2003, the vacancy rate has hovered around the
1 % mark (2007: 1.07 %). It therefore takes some patience and luck
to find the right apartment. Apartments in Switzerland are usually
let unfurnished. Kitchens are fully equipped and generally include a
dishwasher in addition to an oven and refrigerator. For a four-room
apartment (three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bathroom),
the average rent is CHF 1,354 per month (as of first quarter 2009),
although rents vary widely by region. Prices also depend on the
apartment’s age and the quality of the interior.
A number of factors can affect rents. The cantons with the highest
rents are usually prime locations within reach of major urban
centers. Another factor that explains high rents is a low tax
burden.
7.3.2 Purchase
Any person residing in Switzerland can easily purchase residential
property. Only the acquisition of residential property by individuals
resident abroad («persons abroad») is subject to certain legal restrictions
(see section 7.5). The home ownership rate in Switzerland
is about 40 %. It is especially high among families with children and
older people and in the higher income brackets.
Handbook for Investors 2010
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