Are you looking for an apartment and plan a move in Bern, 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 Bern as well as a list of the most important online portals and places to look for an apartment in Bern.
The housing market in Bern
In 2024, the Swiss real estate market is under extreme pressure. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the country had 51,974 vacant housing units as of June 1st, marking a decrease of 2,791 units compared to 2023 and 6,731 compared to 2022. With a vacancy rate of only 1.08%, the situation has reached its lowest level since 2014, revealing demand that far exceeds supply.
As of June 1, 2024, the number of vacant housing units in Bern stood at 1,735, a historically low level over the past decade. The vacancy rate thus dropped to 0.76%, marking the fifth consecutive year of decline.
Evolution of the vacancy rate in Bern – 2024 Data
How to find an apartment in Bern?
The internet is the best resource for finding accommodation in Bern. The following platforms can help you locate an apartment in this challenging market:
As you can see, there are many ways to find an apartment in Bern on the Internet. But during your research you will soon notice that the same apartments are advertised on most portals. A sensible tip for finding accommodation on the Internet is therefore to create a search subscription. Most real estate websites offer this option. The search subscription searches for suitable apartments according to the criteria you have specified and sends them to you by e-mail. This saves you time and tedious scrolling through the offers.
Have you just found a flat in Bern 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 Bern?
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 Bern. Let your friends, colleagues, and neighbors know you’re looking, as Bern is a small city where everyone knows each other.