Are you looking for a flat and plan to move to Lausanne? Then it will be a great help if you read this article. To give you a comprehensive overview of the housing market in Lausanne, we have put together some important tips for your apartment search. You will also find out which portals and providers are the quickest ways to find an apartment.
What is the current state of the real estate market in Switzerland and Lausanne?
A national context of concern
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.
The situation in Lausanne over the past ten years
Over the past decade, Lausanne has experienced significant fluctuations in its real estate market. In 2021, Lausanne finally recorded a vacancy rate above 1%. However, this glimmer of hope was short-lived. Faced with ever-increasing demand, the vacancy rate dropped to 0.67% in both 2023 and 2024, exacerbating tensions in the real estate market.
Evolution of the vacancy rate in Lausanne – 2024 Data
A possible cause: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic also had notable repercussions on the real estate sector. Many projects were delayed or halted due to material supply issues and economic uncertainties. These disruptions not only affected the construction of new housing but also heightened the pressure on an already strained market. The dynamics of Lausanne’s real estate market, reflected in the decline of the vacancy rate, highlight these ongoing challenges.
Which real estate platforms to use in Lausanne?
The internet offers a wealth of opportunities for apartment hunting in Lausanne. With a variety of real estate platforms available, it’s not uncommon to find the same flat listed across multiple sites. Below is a list of the most popular platforms for apartment searches:
Many of these platforms allow you to create a personalized profile. By tailoring your profile to your specific search criteria, you’ll receive instant email notifications when a listing that fits your preferences becomes available.
To avoid being swamped by countless listings, be sure to use filters such as location, price range, and apartment size to refine your search.
Which neighborhoods in Lausanne are best to search for a flat?
If you’re looking for an apartment in Lausanne and want to choose based on neighborhoods, here is an estimate of monthly rents in 2024 for a 3.5-room apartment. Whether you prefer proximity to the city center, the tranquility of residential areas, or the lively atmosphere by the lake, knowing the average rent by neighborhood will help you make an informed choice for your future home.
- City center: around 2,500 to 3,000 CHF
- Ouchy: around 2,300 to 2,800 CHF
- Chavannes-près-Renens: around 2,000 to 2,500 CHF
- Vidy: around 2,200 to 2,700 CHF
- La Sallaz: around 1,800 to 2,300 CHF
- Sous-Gare: around 2,000 to 2,500 CHF
Have you just found a flat in Lausanne 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?
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 Lausanne. Let your friends, colleagues, and neighbors know you’re looking, as Lausanne is a small city where everyone knows each other.