If you are looking for an apartment in St.Gallen and are planning to move to St.Gallen, then you have come to the right place. We give you important tips on where and on which pages you can find a suitable apartment in St.Gallen.
The housing market in St.Gallen
In general, we observe a clear decline in the number of empty dwellings in Switzerland in 2022. On 1 June 2022, there were 61 496 empty dwellings in Switzerland according to the Federal Statistical Office. This was 1.31% of the total housing stock (including single-family houses). The dwelling vacancy rate has thus fallen 0.23 percentage points year-on-year. Such a large year-on-year decline was last observed 20 years ago.
In Lucerne, the total number of empty dwellings according to the building and housing statistics was 5426 on 1 June 2021 and only 4527 on 1 June 2022. As a result, the dwelling vacancy rate fell from 2.05% in 2021 to 1.69% in 2022.
Furthermore, it can be seen that it is the three-room dwellings that are often more available with 1427 available dwellings on 1 June 2022.
How to find an apartment in St Gallen?
Determine the search criteria at the beginning
First of all, you should carefully consider which criteria an apartment in St Gallen should satisfy. Having a list of a few criteria makes the apartment search significantly easier. The main criteria generally include:
- the size of the apartment
- the location
- the rent
- other criteria like a parking space or the proximity of a school
The most important real estate platforms
There are a variety of real estate platforms on the Internet. We have put together the most important ones for you:
As you can see, there is no shortage of platforms on the Internet on which apartments in St.Gallen are advertised. What you will soon notice, however, is that some of the same apartments are advertised on several real estate platforms. For this reason, it is worth creating a search subscription. This is offered free of charge by many platforms, whereby those apartments that meet your criteria will then be sent to you by e-mail.
You can also have a look on Ron Orp St.Gallen under the heading “Real Estate” private individuals advertise apartments in St.Gallen and the surrounding area.
Flat search on social networks
Nowadays, social networks are a must, even when looking for a flat. On facebook for example, you can find groups where ads for flats are posted directly by individuals. You can also post an ad directly, describing your personality and what you are looking for.
It may turn out that these groups require a prior application to the group owner to become a member.
Notice board – traditional but still relevant
It has lost much of its importance nowadays, but in some social places, housing is still advertised on the notice board. You will find them in busy places like supermarkets, shopping centres or universities. On these boards you may find an advertisement for a flat in St Gallen.
You can also post an ad on these notice boards mentioning the accommodation you are looking for and your contact details so that landlords can contact you.
Use your network to find a flat in St Gallen
Your circle of friends will increase your chances of finding a new home. Tell all your colleagues and friends that you are looking for a flat in St Gallen. In the best case, they will then tell their friends and acquaintances. In addition, if your relative knows the person who is vacating his or her flat, you can ask him or her to recommend you.
If you already live in St Gallen and are moving to St Gallen, contact your local housing authority. They will most likely have a large number of properties in the area and will have contacts to give you.
If someone moves out of a flat managed by a housing association, the association will be the first to know, even before an advertisement is published. It is therefore in your interest to contact your housing association to find out if a flat is going to become available soon.
Local newspapers in St Gallen and their advertisements for housing
Some people still use newspapers to advertise accommodation. For this reason, take the time on the tram in the morning to look at the advertisements in the local St Gallen newspapers. You may find a flat that meets your criteria. Find out more tips and tricks for finding a flat.
Have you just found a flat in St Gallen that you like?
You are interested in a flat: now what? 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 letter of motivation 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.
For legal questions or problems: The tenants’ association St.Gallen
If you have problems with your new neighborhood or property management, the St.Gallen Tenants’ Association can help you. The tenants’ association specializes in legal issues relating to living and renting and supports tenants in disputes with third parties. Have a look at their blog, there you will find numerous articles about your rights as a tenant. You can also find your answers in our section on rules in rental properties.
But until then we wish you much success in your search and hope that you are happy in your new home.
Information: If the move to St.Gallen is imminent, you can find the most important addresses in St.Gallen here.