Rentals, the market slows down: Lugano among the cities most in difficulty (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The Swiss rental market showed signs of slowing down between April 2025 and March 2026.
• Lugano saw a 16% decrease in listings and an average listing duration of 33 days.
• The high length of listings indicates less sustained demand.

Key facts

• What: The Swiss rental market has shown signs of slowing down.
• When: Between April 2025 and March 2026.
• Where: Throughout Switzerland, with particular attention to Lugano.
• Who: SVIT Switzerland, HEV Schweiz and newhome.
• Amount: 16% decrease in listings in Lugano. Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Swiss rental market showed signs of slowing down, albeit with strong regional differences. This is what emerges from the Online Housing Index (IOA) developed by SVIT Switzerland, HEV Schweiz and the newhome portal in collaboration with the Swiss Real Estate Institute. In the period analysed, about 393,900 apartments for rent were published on the main real estate platforms, a decrease of 4% compared to the previous year. The average length of listings has risen to 24 days. A picture that indicates a slightly declining demand, while remaining at historically high levels. In this context, the Canton of Ticino and in particular Lugano show signs of weakening more markedly than other regions of the country. In Lugano, the volume of listings decreased by 16% on an annual basis, while the average duration of

Operational details

Practical implications for frontier workers Regional differences in the rental market can have significant implications for frontier workers living or looking for a home in Switzerland. In Lugano, decreasing listing volume and increasing average listing lengths can make it harder to find a place that's right for you.

Comparison with other cities Comparison with other Swiss cities shows that Lugano is among the cities with the slowest rentals. This can be a factor to consider for those who are thinking of moving or moving. While Zurich and other large cities maintain strong demand and short lease times, Lugano and other realities such as St. Gallen and Neuchâtel show longer lease times, indicating less sustained demand.

Factors influencing the dynamics

The lower mobility of tenants, linked to the increase in fees for new contracts compared to existing ones, is a factor that reduces the number of housing changes. This can affect the availability of housing on the market and make it harder to find a new home.

Listing quality

In a market that evolves differently depending on the region, listing quality becomes a deciding factor. This means that well-made and detailed listings can more easily attract the attention of potential tenants and make it easier to

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Key points

Procedure to find accommodation in Switzerland

Finding accommodation in Switzerland can be a complex process, especially in cities like Lugano, where the rental market shows signs of slowing down. Here is a step-by-step procedure to facilitate your search:

Step 1: Define your needs

Before starting your search, it is important to define your needs. This includes the type of accommodation desired, the location, the budget, and other specific preferences.

Step 2: Use real estate platforms

Using reliable real estate platforms such as newhome, Homegate, and Immoscout24 can facilitate the search for suitable accommodation. These platforms offer a wide range of listings and allow you to filter results based on your needs.

Step 3: Pay attention to the quality of listings

In a market that evolves differently depending on the region, the quality of the listing becomes a decisive factor. Paying attention to well-made and detailed listings can facilitate the rental of properties.

Step 4: Contact local real estate agents

Contacting local real estate agents can be useful to obtain detailed information about the rental market and to find accommodations that have not yet been published online.

Step 5: Visit the accommodations

Visiting the accommodations in person is essential to evaluate the quality of the property and its suitability to your needs. During the visit, it is important to pay attention to details such as the condition of the property, the presence of any problems, and the proximity to services and public transportation.

Step 6: Sign the lease agreement

Once you have found the suitable accommodation, it is important to sign the lease agreement carefully. Reading the terms of the contract carefully and asking for clarifications in case of doubts can avoid future problems.

Step 7: Use calculation tools

Using calculation tools such as the salary calculator can be useful to evaluate your budget and understand how much you can spend on rent. This tool allows you to calculate your net salary and evaluate monthly expenses.

Step 8: Consider other options

If finding a rental accommodation proves difficult, you can consider other options such as buying a property or sharing an apartment with other tenants. These options can offer alternative and more economical solutions.

Step 9: Maintain flexibility

Maintaining flexibility during the search for accommodation can be useful to find alternative and more economical solutions. Being open to different options and considering different locations can facilitate the search for suitable accommodation.

Step 10: Use local resources

Using local resources such as tenant associations and counseling centers can be useful to obtain detailed information about the rental market and to find alternative solutions.

Step 11: Be wary of scams

Being wary of scams is essential during the search for accommodation. Avoiding paying advances without having seen the accommodation in person and being careful with suspicious listings can avoid future problems.

Step 12: Consider the long term

Considering the long term during the search for accommodation can be useful to find more stable and convenient solutions. Evaluating the possibility of signing long-term lease agreements and considering options such as buying a property can offer more stable and convenient solutions.

Step 13: Use comparison tools

Using comparison tools such as the CHF/EUR comparator can be useful to evaluate your budget and understand how much you can spend on rent. This tool allows you to compare exchange rates and evaluate monthly expenses.

Step 14: Consider other accommodation options

Considering other accommodation options such as temporary rentals or sharing an apartment with other tenants can offer alternative and more economical solutions. These options can be useful for those looking for temporary accommodation or for those with a limited budget.

Step 15: Use online resources

Using online resources such as forums and discussion groups can be useful to obtain detailed information about the rental market and to find alternative solutions. These groups can offer useful tips and detailed information about the rental market.

Source: tio.ch