Are you looking for an apartment and plan a move in Basel, but don’t know where to start looking? We have the right article for you. We give you an overview of the housing market of Basel as well as a list of the most important online portals and places to look for an apartment in Basel.
The housing market in Basel
The Swiss real estate market remains extremely tight in 2024. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office, there were 51,974 vacant housing units in Switzerland as of June 1st, a decrease of 2,791 available units compared to 2023, and 6,731 fewer than in 2022. The vacancy rate in Switzerland thus stands at 1.08%, its lowest level since 2014.
Despite a challenging context and a decrease in available housing, Basel shows more favorable results than other major Swiss cities, such as Zurich, Bern, Lausanne, or Geneva. Between 2019 and 2023, the vacancy rate remained above 1% and still stands at 0.84% in 2024.
Evolution of the vacancy rate in Basel – 2024 Data
How to find an apartment in Basel?
The Internet is still the most important source for finding a suitable apartment in Basel. There are numerous real estate sites where private individuals or real estate companies can place advertisements from Basel-Stadt or Baselland. Below we have listed the most common pages for an apartment search in Basel:
As you can see, there are numerous real estate platforms on the Internet that offer apartments in Basel. But you will soon notice that on most pages more or less the same apartments are advertised. Some platforms therefore offer searchers a subscription to search for apartments according to the previously defined criteria. These will then be sent to you by email. This will save you a lot of search time and effort.
Have you just found a flat in Basel that you like?
You are interested in a flat: what is the next step? Contact the real estate agency or the owner of the property in question and arrange a flat viewing. Be prepared for the visit and bring your application file containing an extract from the register of debtors, a cover letter and a copy of your identity card. Check whether you have a rental application form on the platform to fill in and submit with your application.
How to stand out to get a flat in Basel?
Social Media Groups
Searching for an apartment on social media can help you spot available properties before they are officially listed online. Join community groups to be among the first to apply.
Perfect Timing
It’s not uncommon to see queues of dozens of people for the same apartment. Be proactive: apply quickly, send an email as soon as possible, prepare all your documents for the viewing, arrive early, and thank the landlord the same evening. This will help keep you at the top of their list!
Leverage your Network
Don’t hesitate to tap into your network to find an apartment in Basel. Let your friends, colleagues, and neighbors know you’re looking, as Basel is a small city where everyone knows each other.