Start Smart: Define your search criteria.

Before you embark on your house-hunting journey, it’s essential to define your search criteria. However, staying open-minded is crucial—it will enhance your chances of discovering something truly great.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you begin, whether you’re crafting your own house-hunting strategy or collaborating with a relocation agent:

1.   How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?

Advice: Don’t dismiss properties right away if they don’t have the exact number of bathrooms or toilets you desire. Keep them on your “long list”! A common comment from expats is, “Why are there so few toilets in Geneva houses?” Yes, it’s true—we’re a bit stingy with toilets here, but you’ll soon adjust! :)

2.   How much living space will be comfortable?

Advice: Don’t get too fixated on the number of square metres. Agents often don’t actually know the exact figure, and there are frequently no floor plans available. You’ll likely fall in love with your new home regardless of its size—trust me, I’ve seen it many times.

Also, in Geneva, we use the number of rooms “pièces” to describe properties. This includes any livable space with windows, including the kitchen. A 5-room flat, for example, typically includes a kitchen, living room, and three bedrooms. But watch out for open-plan spaces or large living/dining rooms—they might be counted differently.

The takeaway: Don’t get hung up on room counts or square footage alone.

3.   Will I need a car, and do I need a parking space?

Geneva has excellent public transportation, cycle lanes, and is small enough to walk everywhere, if you like that kind of thing. If you need a car occasionally, there are convenient car-sharing services like Mobility (https://www.mobility.ch/fr/clients-prives/emplacements/voiture-de-location). For daily parking, consider getting a resident’s parking permit “macaron” (https://www.geneve-parking.ch/fr/abonnements-et-macarons/macaron-annuel-habitant), which for CHF 200.- a year allows you to park for as long as you like in blue-lined parking spaces. It’s a great option, even if you have a dedicated parking space.

4.   Do I want a furnished or unfurnished property?

Tip: Unfurnished rentals are generally for a minimum of one year, while furnished places can be rented for as little as three months.

If you prefer to rent an unfurnished property but don’t want to buy furniture straight away or at all, you can always rent furniture separately. There are companies that can furnish your home at the snap of a finger, offering both new and second-hand options based on your preferences. I plan to write a separate article discussing both furnished housing and furniture rental options in Geneva—it’s a topic worth exploring!

5.   Which neighbourhoods “quartiers” suit my lifestyle?

This is a big one. Start by asking yourself how you envision your life in Geneva. I’ll delve into the different districts in a future article, but even though Geneva is small, there’s a lot to consider based on your needs and lifestyle.

6.   What’s my budget?

When considering your budget, keep in mind that the rent, including charges, should not exceed 30% of your gross income (combined, if you’re renting as a couple). This figure is strictly used by property managing companies “régies” to assess a tenant’s solvency.

However, if the gross rent exceeds 30% of your gross income, do not despair—there are always solutions. Definitely don’t hesitate to ask your agent for guidance.

Also, be aware that some properties are being advertised charges included in the rent, while others do not, so always double-check.

The Bottom Line

To improve your chances of finding your home quickly, stay flexible with the criteria you establish for your search. Whether you’re using filters on real estate platforms or communicating your needs in discussions with your agent, keeping your requirements a bit broader can help you avoid missing out on worthwhile properties.

I initially intended to write about creating a solid rental application today, but this article shifted focus to search criteria. We’ll get to the rental application process soon, promise ! Establishing a strong foundation will save you time and money in the future.

I think the next article should focus on real estate entities and platforms. However, plans can change, and something else may draw my interest instead. In the meantime, keep reading—you’ll likely find plenty of useful information and answers to many of your questions.