Temporary and short term housing availability in Switzerland
Temporary housing in Switzerland is difficult to find. It is possible to find furnished 1-2 bedroom apartments that offer 1-6 months leases but this depends on supply and demand.
There are some service providers that offer short term accommodation.
Tips for finding short term accommodation
- Start looking 4-5 weeks prior to arriving
- Keep your arrival date flexible if possible to increase chances of availability
- Check the minimum rental period
- Check the cancellation terms, such as notice period, first possible date etc.
Temporary accommodation options in Switzerland
Unlike in other countries, there is not a very wide range of temporary accommodation in Switzerland.
The three main options for short term accommodation are:
- Hotel stay: Expensive, and not convenient for a family or with pets but flexible.
- Hotel furnished apartments: cheaper than a hotel, with less flexibility regarding notice periods, and usually studios or a 1 bedroom apartment.
- Furnished apartments with a lease contract: cheaper but less flexible, with a minimum lease term of 1-6 months and a notice period of 1-3 months.
How to secure temporary accommodation
- Hotel stay: book a hotel through a travel agent, internet or the company's network
- Hotel furnished apartments: reserve a hotel apartment with a credit card or a deposit
- Furnished apartments with a lease contract: the process is the same as for permanent accommodation through a real estate agent
Are you looking for temporary accommodation?
Hello Switzerland's Relocation Helpline will help you to find a timely and cost-effective temporary living solution. Contact us on +41 58 356 17 77 or e-mail us at helpline@helloswitzerland.ch.
We will help you with finding suitable temporary accommodation search, and we can provide furniture rental so you can settle into your new home while waiting for your shipment to arrive.
