Switzerland's vacancy rate falls to 1%, lowest in 12 years

According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, the vacancy rate fell to 1% and the housing shortage has become particularly severe in Zurich. Experts say new housing construction is failing to keep up with population growth.

Scraper SystemJuly 10, 2026, 09:33 PM

Switzerland's vacancy rate falls to 1%, lowest in 12 years

Vacancy rate hits 12-year low

According to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO), as of June 1, 2025, the vacancy rate fell to 1%, the lowest in 12 years. The number of vacant dwellings in the country was recorded at 48,455, a decrease of 3,519 dwellings compared to the previous year.

Only 7 in 10,000 apartments vacant in Zurich

The housing shortage has become even more acute in major cities. In Zurich, only 7 out of every 10,000 apartments are available for rent. As a result, those looking for rental housing must compete with dozens of applicants for a single apartment.

New construction fails to keep pace with demand

Experts cite population growth, rising household numbers, and new construction lagging behind demand as the main causes of the housing crisis. Economists say the Swiss example shows that high income and a strong economy alone are not enough to solve the housing problem.