Housing

In the past, many expats preferred to rent as opposed to buy during their stay in Switzerland. However, there is now a growing trend in home ownership, due in part to the bilateral agreements with the EU on the free movement of workers and residents. Zug has a range of beautiful homes and apartments, with rental prices being above average due to the low-tax benefits offered here.
 

Rental agreements are of a standard format and based on Swiss regulations. A typical rental agreement will stipulate the rental value, costs for heating, water and electricity, the lease start date, the termination conditions and the security deposit required. By law, the landlord may ask for a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent to be paid into a savings account at a bank. Normally, termination dates are only at the end of March, June and September, and it is customary for tenants to give three months' notice. If you find another person willing to take over the lease (a so-called "Nachmieter"), you may terminate your rental agreement prior to the termination date. A garage or parking space is normally charged separately from the rental price.
 

When buying, there is a great deal of information to consider regarding the Swiss real estate market. Fortunately, our partners at UBS have created a brochure that goes into great detail for foreign residents who wish to buy property while living here. You can download the brochure here. For the latest analysis on the UBS Swiss Real Estate Bubble Index, click here.
 

There are many good websites where you can look for properties to buy and rent. You will also find the contact details of many agents who will look for property on your behalf in our Services Guide under Relocation & Real Estate.

Useful links for property searches:

www.homegate.ch
www.immoscout24.ch
www.newhome.ch
 

Good to know:
 

Radio and Television Reception Fees
Every household in Switzerland is legally obliged to pay the radio and television fee. Your fee contributes to the public service offered by radio and television broadcasting in Switzerland. More information here.
 

Electricity
Electricity in Switzerland is 220V, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You can use a voltage converter for your electrical appliances but most people decide to buy new equipment when moving here. This link will show you which plugs are used in Switzerland.

Good to know when renting:

Furnishings
Rental apartments in Switzerland usually come unfurnished and also do not include the likes of light fixtures, closets or window treatments, which means it is up to the tenant to acquire these items. Kitchens on the other hand, always comes fully equipped with built-in electrical appliances.

Handover
The tenant has the right to move into a clean and functional apartment. The formal handover of the apartment takes place on the day you agree with the landlord. The tenant and landlord inspect the condition of the apartment together and record any defects in writing on a protocol form. If you notice damages that were not visible when you signed the protocol, inform your landlord within two weeks. It is important that you do so in writing.

Minor repairs
The tenant is responsible for minor repairs. These could include defect water taps, electrical switches and sockets, door locks, etc. In most cases the costs for small improvements should not exceed a reference value of CHF 150 per repair. You will also be expected to carry out all repairs that fall under minor repairs before you move out of your apartment. Revise the general terms and conditions of your rental contract for more details.

Reporting defects
It is important that you immediately report defects that you cannot remedy yourself. If you fail to do so, you may be held liable for the damage caused by not reporting the defect.

We recommend purchasing a private liability insurance that will cover certain damages.