Why should I search for properties on UrbanHome?
UrbanHome combines a free property search with listings for rental apartments, properties for sale, houses, shared rooms, parking spaces and other property types in Switzerland. Particularly interesting are private replacement-tenant listings, housing cooperative apartments and apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich.
Author: Nikita von Niederhäuser , UrbanHome property expert Updated on: · Reading time: approx. 19 minutes
What is UrbanHome?
UrbanHome is a Swiss property platform where properties can be listed and searched. It serves both property seekers and private or professional advertisers.
UrbanHome is suitable for
- people looking for a rental apartment,
- buyers of apartments and houses,
- families, couples and individuals,
- people looking for a shared room,
- people needing a parking space or garage,
- companies looking for office, commercial or storage space,
- private individuals looking for a replacement tenant,
- housing cooperatives,
- municipalities and public landlords,
- property management companies and real estate agencies.
Different property types and listings from various provider categories can be found through one search interface.
This means you do not necessarily need separate platforms for private replacement-tenant listings, cooperative apartments, municipal housing and conventional agency listings.
Search for free
The public property and apartment search can be used without paid access.
Property seekers can browse rental and purchase listings, set filters, open advertisements and contact the relevant providers.
Free searching does not mean that all property-related services are free. Moving, insurance, financing, rental deposits and other services may incur separate costs.
12 reasons to use UrbanHome to search for property
Free property search
The basic rental and purchase searches are publicly accessible. No paid property subscription is required to browse published listings.
Rental and purchase properties
Rental apartments, houses to rent, apartments for sale and houses for sale can be compared according to your needs.
Different property types
Apartments, houses, shared rooms, parking spaces, garages, offices, commercial premises and storage units.
Simple search filters
Property type, minimum number of rooms, maximum price and location help you narrow down results.
Search alerts by email
Search criteria can be saved so that new suitable listings can be followed more easily.
Private replacement-tenant listings
Private individuals can advertise their soon-to-be-vacant apartment and contact interested people directly.
Housing cooperative apartments
Listings from housing cooperatives can also be found on UrbanHome.
Apartments owned by the City of Zurich
UrbanHome also includes apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich.
Professional providers
Property managers, real estate agents and other professional market participants publish their listings and may be featured in provider profiles.
Direct contact
Interested people can contact advertisers using the contact form or, if provided, by telephone.
Swiss property guides
Information about renting, buying, finance, moving, housing, family life and the Swiss property market complements the listings.
Various ways to search in one place
Private replacement tenants, housing cooperatives, municipal apartments and professional providers can all be included in one search.
Advantages and what to check yourself
| UrbanHome offers | Property seekers should also check |
|---|---|
| Public rental and purchase searches | Whether the particular property is still available. |
| Filters for location, property type, rooms and price | Total housing costs and long-term affordability. |
| Private replacement-tenant listings | Who decides on the rental and issues the tenancy agreement. |
| Housing cooperative apartments | Minimum occupancy, cooperative shares, membership and other conditions. |
| Apartments owned by the City of Zurich | Occupancy rules, income limits and application criteria. |
| Listing details and photographs | Whether the advertisement matches the property during the viewing. |
| Contact form and telephone number | The identity and role of the person being contacted. |
| Search alert | Whether the selected search criteria are sufficiently broad. |
Replacement tenants, cooperatives and City of Zurich apartments
UrbanHome differs not only in the range of property types but also in the diversity of people and organisations publishing listings.
Private replacement tenants
Apartments may be advertised by their current tenants before the change of tenancy has been completed.
Housing cooperatives
Cooperative apartments may offer long-term rental models and, in some cases, cost-based rents.
City of Zurich
Apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich may also appear on UrbanHome.
Professional property managers
Conventional listings from property management companies and estate agents complement private and public offers.
Discover apartments directly from existing tenants
Many private listings are posted by tenants wishing to leave their apartment before the ordinary termination date or as part of a planned move.
These listings can be attractive because interested people learn early about an apartment becoming vacant and can obtain practical information on the building and neighbourhood directly from the current tenant.
What should you check?
- Has the property management been informed about the search for a replacement tenant?
- Who decides which applicant is selected?
- Will the rent and contractual terms remain unchanged?
- From what date can the apartment be taken over?
- Is taking over the furniture optional?
- Who conducts the viewing?
- Where should application documents be sent?
- Who issues the final tenancy agreement?
The new tenancy agreement is generally concluded with the owner or responsible property manager. They review the application and decide whether to rent out the property.
Cooperative apartments on UrbanHome
Housing cooperatives may have different requirements from ordinary private landlords.
- minimum occupancy based on people and rooms,
- purchase of cooperative shares,
- membership of the cooperative,
- income or asset limits,
- residence or workplace requirements,
- rules for shared facilities,
- obligation to report changes in household composition,
- possible rules on under-occupancy.
Check cooperative shares
Before applying, find out how much share capital is required, when it must be paid, whether it earns interest and when it will be refunded after moving out.
Apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich
UrbanHome may also include apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich.
Depending on the listing, special conditions may apply, such as minimum occupancy, income or asset limits, or requirements for family apartments.
The specific requirements in each listing always take precedence.
Comparing types of listings
| Listing type | Potential advantage | Check carefully |
|---|---|---|
| Private replacement-tenant listing | Direct contact and early access to apartments becoming vacant. | Property management, rent, contract and optional furniture purchase. |
| Housing cooperative apartment | Long-term housing and, in some cases, cost-based rent. | Occupancy, membership, cooperative shares and regulations. |
| City of Zurich apartment | Rental directly by the city. | Minimum occupancy, income, assets and application criteria. |
| Professional property manager | Standardised processes and clear responsibilities. | Application process, total costs and contractual terms. |
| Private owner | Direct contact and individual rental procedure. | Identity, authority to act, contract and rental deposit. |
UrbanHome expands the ways you can search. Including private replacement-tenant listings, cooperative apartments, municipal housing and professional property management listings together increases your options when searching for an apartment.
Which types of properties can you search for on UrbanHome?
UrbanHome is not limited to conventional rental apartments. The search covers a range of property types and supports both rental and purchase enquiries.
| Property type | Typical use | What should you check? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Rental apartment or owner-occupied apartment. | Rooms, floor area, service charges, floor, lift and condition. |
| House | Detached house, terraced house or another type of house. | Land, upkeep, heating, running costs and renovation needs. |
| Shared room | Room in a shared apartment. | Housemates, contract, service charges and shared spaces. |
| Parking space or garage | Outdoor parking space, indoor parking space or garage. | Access, dimensions, termination and fees. |
| Office | Workplace, practice or office space. | Permitted use, customer access, connections and commercial lease. |
| Commercial premises | Shop, restaurant, studio or business space. | Permits, fit-out, ventilation and usage regulations. |
| Storage | Private or commercial storage space. | Access, moisture, security and load capacity. |
| Land | Building plots or other land listings. | Zoning, infrastructure, easements and building rights. |
Using search filters correctly
Choose property type
Select an apartment, house, shared room, parking space or commercial property. If you are flexible, create several search variations.
Set the minimum number of rooms
Define not only the desired size but also the minimum size you truly need.
Set a realistic maximum price
In addition to rent or purchase price, take into account service charges, parking, transport, deposits, cooperative shares and upkeep.
Expand the search area
Well-connected neighbouring municipalities may offer more choice and better value for money.
Multiple search profiles
Track your preferred location, a wider area, a smaller apartment in a better location or a larger apartment farther out in separate searches.
Alternative provider types
Include replacement tenants, cooperatives, municipal apartments and conventional property managers in parallel.
Respond faster with UrbanHome search alerts
In tight housing markets, response time can matter. A search alert lets you save your search criteria and track new listings by email.
Advantages
- You do not need to re-enter your search criteria every day.
- New listings become visible more quickly.
- Different regions can be monitored separately.
- Interested people can make contact sooner.
- Replacement-tenant listings can be spotted promptly.
- Cooperative and municipal apartments can also be included.
- Prices and availability can be compared over the longer term.
| Search alert | Possible purpose |
|---|---|
| Preferred municipality | Monitor all suitable apartments in your preferred location. |
| Neighbouring municipalities | Find more choice along good transport connections. |
| Tight budget | Track only financially suitable properties. |
| Larger apartment | Watch for family apartments with more rooms. |
| Alternative property type | Monitor apartments and houses separately. |
Quick notifications are especially useful if your debt enforcement register extract, proof of income and other required application documents are already prepared.
Why use UrbanHome to find a rental apartment?
Include private replacement-tenant listings.
Include housing cooperative apartments.
Check municipal apartments.
Compare listings from professional property managers.
Net rent and service charges.
Number of rooms, floor area and layout.
Floor, lift, cellar and laundry facilities.
Balcony, garden and shared areas.
Move-in date, minimum rental term and occupancy.
Parking, commute and public transport.
Prepare your application early
- fully completed application form,
- up-to-date debt enforcement register extract,
- requested proof of income or employment,
- contact details of possible referees,
- short, factual cover letter,
- for cooperatives, details of household size and occupancy,
- other documents specifically requested for the property.
Do not send every personal document to an unknown contact as a precaution. Only submit the documents necessary for the particular stage of the application.
Why use UrbanHome to search for a property to buy?
Compare current listings
Search apartments, houses and other properties for sale by region, property type, rooms and price.
Recognise regional differences
Monitor comparable properties over several weeks or months to understand price differences between regions.
Consider all costs
Include equity, mortgage, affordability, maintenance, taxes and running costs.
Inspect the property thoroughly
Listings do not replace checks of the land register, easements, building condition, renovation fund or financing.
Swiss property knowledge
The UrbanHome guides help you make informed property decisions.
- property searches and rental applications,
- tenancy agreements and rental deposits,
- replacement-tenant searches and early termination,
- service charges and rent increases,
- cooperative housing,
- choosing family-friendly homes,
- property purchases and financing,
- renovation and home ownership,
- moving and changes of address,
- current developments in the Swiss property market.
This makes it easier to assess listings and special rental conditions.
Always check property listings carefully
Even well-known platforms can contain false, copied or misused listings. Check every specific offer carefully.
Verify the provider
The name, role, contact details and authority to act should be verifiable.
View the property
If possible, visit the property in person and verify the listing information.
No unchecked advance payments
A reservation, key handover or viewing should not depend on immediate payment to an unknown person.
Read the contract
Read the entire tenancy or purchase agreement before making a binding commitment.
Typical warning signs
- price well below comparable listings,
- viewing allegedly impossible,
- keys sent only after an advance payment,
- strong time pressure,
- deposit requested before the contract is checked,
- unusual payment methods,
- copied photographs or descriptions,
- inconsistent names and addresses,
- incomplete or contradictory contract,
- requests for highly sensitive data before a viewing.
- Confirm with the property manager.
- Do not pay rent to the current tenant.
- Pay the deposit only as stipulated in the new lease.
- Keep furniture purchases separate from the lease.
- Do not pay for supposed preferential treatment.
No deposit before proper checks. A supposed reservation, key handover or viewing should not depend on an immediate bank transfer to an unknown person.
What UrbanHome cannot replace
| The platform helps with | It does not replace |
|---|---|
| Finding property listings | Viewing the property in person. |
| Comparing different provider types | Checking the specific allocation requirements. |
| Contact with private replacement tenants | The property manager’s decision on the tenancy agreement. |
| Cooperative and municipal apartments | A guarantee that an application meets all requirements. |
| Comparing asking prices | Professional property valuation. |
| Contacting advertisers | Verification of identity and authority to act. |
| General property guides | Individual legal, tax or financial advice. |
| Search alert | A guarantee of a successful application. |
Typical property searches on UrbanHome
Private replacement tenant
A tenant advertises her apartment because she is moving out before the ordinary termination date. Interested people can obtain information from her, but apply through the responsible property manager.
Housing cooperative apartment
A family finds a 4.5-room apartment and checks minimum occupancy, cooperative shares and rules on future under-occupancy.
City of Zurich apartment
A three-person household checks whether it meets minimum occupancy and other application requirements.
Suburban area
Instead of searching only in the city centre, additional search alerts are created for well-connected neighbouring municipalities.
Family apartment
A family compares layouts, storage space, schools, childcare, occupancy requirements and transport costs.
Apartment for sale
A couple monitors properties for sale over several months and thereby recognises regional price differences.
steps to the right property
Decide whether renting, buying or both are options.
Calculate the full housing or purchase budget.
Separate essential requirements from optional wishes.
Set the property type, minimum rooms, maximum price and location.
Include neighbouring municipalities and alternative regions.
Include private replacement-tenant listings.
Check cooperative and municipal apartments.
Create several search profiles with different priorities.
Save suitable searches as alerts.
Prepare an application dossier for rental apartments.
Check occupancy requirements and cooperative shares.
Read all application conditions for municipal apartments.
Contact providers directly with specific questions.
View the property in person and document its condition.
Verify identity, contract and payment method.
Only make a binding commitment or pay after completing all checks.
Search for properties on UrbanHome
Decided whether to rent or buy
Maximum price calculated realistically
Service charges included
Transport costs calculated
Minimum number of rooms defined
Essential criteria established
Optional wishes separated
Alternative municipalities considered
Suitable property type chosen
Location or region entered
Number of rooms set appropriately
Maximum price set
Several search variations tested
Search alert saved
Replacement tenants included
Cooperatives and municipal housing included
Responsible property manager identified
Application procedure clarified
Rent confirmed
Move-in date confirmed
Furniture purchase voluntary
No payment for preferential treatment
Contract issued by an authorised party
Deposit held correctly
Minimum occupancy met
Income limits checked
Asset limits checked
Household details complete
Cooperative shares checked
Membership conditions read
Under-occupancy rules checked
Application deadlines met
Property viewed in person
Provider verified
No unchecked advance payments
Only necessary data submitted
Contract read in full
Total costs calculated
No decision under time pressure
Commitment made only after checking
Related UrbanHome guides
How can I find an affordable apartment?
Discover more affordable rental apartments, broaden your search area and improve your chances when applying.
End a tenancy early
Find out how to move out early and which conditions a suitable replacement tenant must meet.
Housing shortage reaches Switzerland's middle class
Why the housing shortage increasingly affects middle-income households and what it means for property seekers.
Rents are rising – but not everywhere equally
How asking rents differ from region to region and why rental prices do not develop in the same way everywhere.
What do rising interest rates mean for tenants?
How changes in interest rates can influence housing costs and the mortgage reference rate.
Why can't the interest-rate reversal stop the property price spiral?
Why falling interest rates do not automatically mean lower property prices and which factors drive the market.
Why Switzerland is an exception in the property market
The special characteristics of the Swiss property market, from scarce building land to financing and demand.
Property news from Switzerland
Discover the latest reports on rents, housing shortages, interest rates and the Swiss property market.
Further official information
Frequently asked questions about searching on UrbanHome
The most important answers at a glance.
Yes. You can search public rental and purchase listings without paid access.
Apartments, houses, shared rooms, parking spaces, garages, offices, commercial premises and storage units, among others.
The basic search can be narrowed by renting or buying, property type, minimum number of rooms, maximum price and location, among other criteria.
Yes. Search alerts allow you to save a search and track new matching offers by email.
Yes. Private individuals can advertise apartments for which they are looking for a replacement tenant. The final tenancy agreement is normally concluded with the owner or property manager.
Yes. Cooperative apartments may be subject to minimum occupancy, membership, cooperative shares or income requirements.
Yes. UrbanHome may also list apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich. Specific conditions may apply depending on the property.
In a listing, you can generally contact the provider through the contact form and, where available, by telephone.
No. Interested people should verify the property, price, provider, contractual documents and payment method themselves.
Clarify the property manager, rent, contractual conditions, selection procedure and any furniture purchase.
Depending on the cooperative, requirements may include minimum occupancy, shares, membership, income limits or under-occupancy rules.
Yes. UrbanHome has separate search sections for rental properties and properties for sale.
No. In addition to apartments, you can search for houses, shared rooms, parking spaces, garages, offices, commercial premises and storage units.
Warning signs include unrealistically low prices, no possible viewing, pressure to act quickly, unusual payment methods or advance payment demands before proper verification.
A successful property search does not end with the listing. Guides help with budgeting, viewings, applications, tenancy agreements, financing and purchase decisions.
Why use UrbanHome when searching for property?
UrbanHome provides free public searches for rental and purchase properties in Switzerland.
A particular advantage is the variety of listings: alongside professional property managers and agents, there are private replacement-tenant listings, housing cooperative apartments and apartments rented directly by the City of Zurich.
Searches can be narrowed by property type, number of rooms, price and location, among other criteria, and new listings can be followed using search alerts.
However, listing details, providers, occupancy conditions, contract terms and payment methods should always be checked independently.
Find the right property in Switzerland
Browse current rental and purchase listings from private and professional providers, housing cooperatives and other landlords.