Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Switzerland Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Geneva's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying an apartment in Geneva, you're probably wondering what prices really look like in 2026.
This blog post breaks down everything you need to know, from average prices per square meter to closing costs, neighborhood comparisons, and ongoing expenses.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and trends in Geneva's real estate market.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Geneva.
Insights
- Geneva apartment prices per square meter in 2026 range from about CHF 12,000 in outer communes like Vernier to over CHF 18,000 in prime central areas like Eaux-Vives and Champel.
- Foreigners without Swiss residency face strict Lex Koller restrictions, which often makes the legal ability to buy a bigger hurdle than the price itself in Geneva.
- New apartments in Geneva are not always more expensive than resale units; in 2023, the official median for new builds was actually slightly lower than resale, mostly due to where new developments get built.
- Geneva's vacancy rate sits at just 0.34%, roughly three times scarcer than the Swiss national average, which keeps upward pressure on both rental and sale prices.
- Swiss banks require at least 10% of your down payment to come from "hard equity" (not pension funds), so a CHF 1 million purchase means CHF 100,000 from savings or non-pension sources.
- Closing costs in Geneva typically add 3.5% to 5.5% on top of your purchase price, covering taxes, land registry fees, notary costs, and disbursements.
- Geneva's Praille-Acacias-Vernets development will add 12,000 to 15,000 new housing units over the next decade, potentially easing some supply pressure in specific areas.
- The "impôt immobilier complémentaire" property tax in Geneva is calculated at about 1 per thousand of the fiscal value, though energy-efficient homes may qualify for exemptions.
How much do apartments really cost in Geneva in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Geneva city is around CHF 1.5 million (approximately $1.9 million or €1.6 million), while the average sits slightly higher at about CHF 1.6 million ($2 million or €1.7 million) because a handful of luxury properties pull the average upward.
For price per square meter, expect a median of around CHF 15,500 per m² ($19,400 or €16,600 per m²) in Geneva city, which translates to roughly CHF 1,440 per square foot ($1,800 or €1,540 per sq ft), though asking prices on listings often show higher figures because there's typically a 3% to 5% gap between advertised and final transaction prices.
The typical price range that covers most standard apartments in Geneva falls between CHF 900,000 and CHF 2.5 million ($1.1 million to $3.1 million, or €960,000 to €2.7 million), depending on size, condition, and neighborhood.
How much is a studio apartment in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a studio apartment in Geneva city is around CHF 550,000 ($690,000 or €590,000), though you'll find a wide range depending on location and building quality.
Entry-level to mid-range studios in Geneva generally cost between CHF 450,000 and CHF 600,000 ($565,000 to $750,000, or €480,000 to €640,000), while high-end or luxury studios in prime locations like Eaux-Vives or near the lake can push past CHF 700,000 ($875,000 or €750,000).
Studio apartments in Geneva typically measure between 30 and 35 square meters, which explains why the total price can seem high even though the per-square-meter cost is similar to larger units.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a one-bedroom apartment in Geneva city is around CHF 800,000 ($1 million or €860,000), placing it in the reach of well-prepared foreign buyers.
One-bedroom apartments in Geneva range from about CHF 650,000 to CHF 900,000 ($815,000 to $1.1 million, or €700,000 to €960,000) for entry-level to mid-range units, while high-end one-bedrooms in premium neighborhoods can reach CHF 1.1 million ($1.4 million or €1.2 million) or more.
In Geneva, one-bedroom apartments typically measure between 45 and 55 square meters, which is somewhat compact by international standards but standard for this dense urban market.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a two-bedroom apartment in Geneva city is around CHF 1.2 million ($1.5 million or €1.3 million), which represents the sweet spot for families and professionals relocating to the area.
Two-bedroom apartments in Geneva generally range from CHF 1 million to CHF 1.4 million ($1.25 million to $1.75 million, or €1.07 million to €1.5 million) for standard units, while luxury two-bedrooms in sought-after areas like Champel or with lake views can exceed CHF 1.8 million ($2.25 million or €1.9 million).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Geneva.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical price for a three-bedroom apartment in Geneva city is around CHF 1.8 million ($2.25 million or €1.9 million), making it a significant investment that appeals mainly to families seeking long-term residence.
Three-bedroom apartments in Geneva range from approximately CHF 1.5 million to CHF 2 million ($1.9 million to $2.5 million, or €1.6 million to €2.1 million) for entry-level to mid-range options, while high-end three-bedrooms in prime central locations or with premium features can reach CHF 2.5 million to CHF 3.5 million ($3.1 million to $4.4 million, or €2.7 million to €3.7 million).
Three-bedroom apartments in Geneva typically measure between 95 and 120 square meters, offering more comfortable family living space compared to the smaller unit types.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price gap between new-build and resale apartments in Geneva is surprisingly narrow, with new units trading at roughly the same level or even slightly below resale in some cases, typically within plus or minus 5%.
New-build apartments in Geneva currently average around CHF 15,000 to CHF 16,500 per m² ($18,800 to $20,600 or €16,000 to €17,700 per m²), depending heavily on location and developer positioning.
Resale apartments in Geneva average around CHF 15,500 to CHF 17,000 per m² ($19,400 to $21,300 or €16,600 to €18,200 per m²), with the higher end reflecting prime central zones where location value often exceeds newness; the official 2023 OCSTAT data actually showed new-build median at CHF 10,050 per m² versus resale at CHF 10,592 per m² canton-wide, because new developments often sit in less central areas.
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Can I afford to buy in Geneva in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical all-in budget to buy a standard apartment in Geneva is roughly CHF 1.25 million to CHF 1.35 million ($1.56 million to $1.69 million, or €1.34 million to €1.45 million), assuming a CHF 1.2 million purchase price plus closing costs and basic move-in preparations.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget in Geneva must include cantonal registration taxes, land registry fees, notary fees, and various administrative disbursements, which together typically add 3.5% to 5.5% on top of the headline price.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Geneva property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Geneva.
What down payment is typical to buy in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the typical down payment for an apartment in Geneva is 20% of the purchase price, which means about CHF 240,000 ($300,000 or €257,000) for a CHF 1.2 million apartment.
Swiss banks require a minimum of 10% to come from "hard equity," meaning savings, investments, or gifts, but not from your second-pillar pension fund, which can only cover the additional 10% if needed.
To secure favorable mortgage terms in Geneva, most advisors recommend having the full 20% down payment ready, as this gives you access to better interest rates and stronger negotiating position with lenders.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Switzerland.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Switzerland compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Geneva in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the price per square meter for apartments in Geneva varies dramatically from about CHF 12,000 per m² ($15,000 or €12,850 per m²) in outer communes to over CHF 20,000 per m² ($25,000 or €21,400 per m²) in the most sought-after central areas.
The most affordable neighborhoods in Geneva for apartments include Vernier at around CHF 12,000 to CHF 13,500 per m² ($15,000 to $16,900 or €12,850 to €14,450 per m²), Onex at similar levels, and Meyrin where prices also stay below the city average.
The most expensive neighborhoods in Geneva for apartments are Cologny, Champel, and Eaux-Vives, where prices typically range from CHF 16,000 to CHF 22,000 per m² ($20,000 to $27,500 or €17,100 to €23,500 per m²), with exceptional lakefront properties pushing even higher.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Geneva.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three neighborhoods best suited for first-time buyers on a budget in Geneva are Vernier (including Les Avanchets), Onex, and Meyrin, all offering relatively lower prices while maintaining good transport connections to the city center.
In these budget-friendly Geneva neighborhoods, typical apartment prices range from CHF 700,000 to CHF 1.1 million ($875,000 to $1.38 million, or €750,000 to €1.18 million) for two-bedroom units, compared to CHF 1.3 million or more in central areas.
These neighborhoods offer amenities like modern tram and bus connections, local shopping centers, schools, and parks, making them practical choices for young families and professionals who prioritize value over prestige.
The main trade-off of buying in these budget-friendly Geneva neighborhoods is the longer commute time to the city center and international organizations, plus a less walkable urban environment compared to central districts like Plainpalais or Eaux-Vives.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Geneva in 2026?
As of January 2026, the neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices in Geneva are Eaux-Vives, Pâquis near Cornavin station, and the Plainpalais-Jonction area, all benefiting from central location and strong buyer demand.
Year-over-year price increases in these fast-appreciating Geneva neighborhoods have been running at approximately 4% to 6%, outpacing the cantonal average of around 3% annual growth.
The main driver behind the rapid price growth in these Geneva neighborhoods is the combination of severe supply constraints, improved public transport links like the Léman Express CEVA line, and the constant flow of international workers seeking walkable urban lifestyles.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Geneva.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Geneva in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Geneva?
For a typical CHF 1.2 million apartment purchase in Geneva, total buyer closing costs amount to approximately CHF 50,000 to CHF 65,000 ($62,500 to $81,250, or €53,500 to €69,600).
The main categories of closing costs buyers must pay in Geneva include cantonal registration and transfer taxes, land registry recording fees for ownership and any mortgage, notary fees for drafting and certifying the deed, and various administrative disbursements for extracts and filings.
The largest closing cost expense for buyers in Geneva is typically the cantonal registration and transfer tax component, which forms the bulk of the 3% to 4% baseline before notary fees are added.
While some closing costs in Geneva are fixed by law and non-negotiable, minor variations can occur in notary fees for complex transactions, and you may have some flexibility in timing certain administrative steps.
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Geneva?
Buyers in Geneva should budget approximately 4% to 5% of the purchase price for closing costs, which is the typical percentage that covers most standard apartment transactions.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range in Geneva runs from about 3.5% for straightforward cash purchases up to 5.5% or more when factoring in mortgage registration, complex ownership structures, or additional administrative requirements.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Geneva.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Switzerland versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Geneva in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Geneva right now?
In Geneva, condominium ownership operates under the PPE (propriété par étages) system, and typical monthly charges for a standard apartment run between CHF 200 and CHF 400 ($250 to $500, or €215 to €430), depending on building size and included services.
PPE charges in Geneva range from about CHF 150 per month ($190 or €160) for basic buildings with minimal amenities to CHF 500 per month ($625 or €535) or more for luxury buildings with concierge services, pools, or extensive common facilities; a common planning estimate is around CHF 35 per square meter per year.
What utilities should I budget monthly in Geneva right now?
For a typical apartment in Geneva, expect total monthly utility costs of around CHF 200 to CHF 350 ($250 to $440, or €215 to €375), covering electricity, internet, and any heating not included in PPE charges.
Monthly utility costs in Geneva can range from about CHF 150 ($190 or €160) for a small, energy-efficient studio to CHF 450 ($565 or €480) or more for a larger three-bedroom apartment with high consumption, especially during winter heating months.
Typical monthly utility costs in Geneva include electricity at CHF 50 to CHF 120 ($65 to $150 or €55 to €130), internet and mobile at CHF 60 to CHF 120 ($75 to $150 or €65 to €130), and heating and hot water at CHF 80 to CHF 200 ($100 to $250 or €85 to €215) if billed separately from PPE charges.
Heating tends to be the most expensive utility for apartment owners in Geneva, particularly in older buildings without modern insulation, though this cost is often bundled into PPE charges for newer developments.
How much is property tax on apartments in Geneva?
For a typical apartment in Geneva, annual property tax through the "impôt immobilier complémentaire" (IIC) amounts to roughly CHF 1,000 to CHF 2,000 ($1,250 to $2,500, or €1,070 to €2,140), though this varies significantly based on the property's assessed fiscal value.
Property tax in Geneva is calculated at approximately 1 per thousand (0.1%) of the fiscal estimated value, which is typically lower than the market price, and certain exemptions exist for energy-efficient buildings meeting HPE or THPE standards.
The realistic range of annual property tax in Geneva runs from about CHF 500 ($625 or €535) for smaller, lower-valued apartments to CHF 3,000 ($3,750 or €3,200) or more for high-value properties in premium locations.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Geneva.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Geneva?
For apartment owners in Geneva, typical yearly building maintenance costs run between CHF 2,000 and CHF 4,000 ($2,500 to $5,000, or €2,140 to €4,280), though this is usually bundled into your PPE charges rather than billed separately.
Maintenance costs in Geneva range from about CHF 1,500 per year ($1,875 or €1,600) for newer buildings with minimal upkeep needs to CHF 5,000 or more ($6,250 or €5,350) for older buildings requiring ongoing repairs or buildings with elevators, large common areas, and complex heating systems.
Building maintenance expenses in Geneva typically cover day-to-day upkeep like cleaning and minor repairs, common utility costs, building management fees, and contributions to a reserve fund for major renovations like roof replacement or elevator modernization.
In Geneva's PPE system, building maintenance costs are almost always included within your monthly PPE charges, so you won't typically see them as a separate line item unless special assessments are levied for unexpected repairs.
How much does home insurance cost in Geneva?
For an apartment in Geneva, typical annual home insurance costs (household contents plus personal liability) range from CHF 300 to CHF 600 ($375 to $750, or €320 to €640), depending on coverage levels and property value.
Home insurance costs in Geneva can range from about CHF 200 per year ($250 or €215) for basic coverage with higher deductibles to CHF 800 or more ($1,000 or €855) for comprehensive coverage including valuables, extensive liability, and lower deductibles.
Building insurance for the structure itself is typically handled at the building level in Geneva and paid through PPE charges, while individual owners are responsible for their own household contents and personal liability coverage, which is strongly recommended but not legally mandatory for owners.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Geneva, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why we trust it | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| OCSTAT (Canton of Geneva Statistics Office) | Official cantonal statistics using land-registry-recorded transactions. | We used this as our primary source for actual transaction medians and zone-based price differences. We also drew new versus resale comparisons from their detailed breakdowns. |
| OCSTAT Transaction Portal | Official Geneva portal for housing and price data tables. | We validated that our methodology aligns with Geneva's official transaction-based approach. We used it to confirm our estimates reflect real deed prices, not just asking prices. |
| Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) | Switzerland's official nationwide residential property price index. | We used the FSO index to adjust 2023 OCSTAT transaction data forward to early 2026 levels. We also cross-checked our growth assumptions against this federal benchmark. |
| Swiss National Bank (SNB) | Central bank data platform for housing and economic indicators. | We used SNB data to verify that Geneva price trends align with broader Swiss market conditions. We checked mortgage and economic context to ensure our estimates make sense. |
| FINMA (Swiss Financial Regulator) | Official recognition of binding mortgage self-regulation standards. | We anchored down payment and affordability requirements to FINMA-recognized rules. We explained why Swiss banks require specific equity thresholds. |
| Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) | Industry minimum standards for mortgage financing, audited for compliance. | We derived the "hard equity" rule and amortization expectations from these official guidelines. We translated mortgage jargon into practical planning advice for foreign buyers. |
| Federal Office of Justice (Lex Koller) | Federal authority explaining legal framework for foreign property buyers. | We used this to set realistic expectations on whether non-resident foreigners can actually buy in Geneva. We flagged that permit rules can be the real bottleneck beyond price. |
| Geneva Chamber of Notaries | Canton's notarial profession body, focused on deed fees and tax components. | We structured closing cost categories using their official breakdown. We translated this into practical all-in budget estimates for foreign buyers. |
| LexFind (Geneva LDE Law) | Consolidated legal text source for Geneva cantonal registration duties law. | We used this to confirm that transfer taxes are law-based obligations, not negotiable fees. We grounded our tax estimates in the actual legal framework. |
| SIG (Geneva Utility Provider) | Geneva's main regulated electricity provider with official 2026 tariffs. | We used SIG tariff data to ground utility cost estimates in current Geneva reality. We converted tariffs into practical monthly budget ranges for typical apartments. |
| ElCom (Federal Electricity Commission) | Federal regulator monitoring electricity tariffs and compliance nationwide. | We used ElCom as a credibility check that our electricity estimates reflect regulated, supervised pricing. We avoided citing random energy cost averages that don't apply to Switzerland. |
| ImmoScout24 | Major Swiss property portal with large listing database and market tools. | We used ImmoScout24 as a market sense-check to see if our early-2026 estimates align with current advertised prices. We treated it as a signal of asking prices, not final transaction values. |
| RealAdvisor | Widely used Swiss valuation platform publishing price indicators by locality. | We used RealAdvisor to translate canton-wide medians into city-of-Geneva buyer expectations. We treated it as a triangulation input alongside official transaction data. |
| Homegate | Leading Swiss property portal with 20 years of price tracking data. | We cross-referenced Homegate's Geneva price ranges with other sources to validate our estimates. We used their historical data to understand market trends. |
| Global Property Guide | International real estate research platform with Swiss market analysis. | We used their Switzerland overview to contextualize Geneva within the broader Swiss and European market. We referenced their growth forecasts as a cross-check. |
| Geneva Grand Conseil | Official cantonal legislative documents on property taxation. | We used this to anchor property tax calculations in the 1 per thousand rate framework. We ensured our tax estimates reflect current Geneva law. |
| Geneva Energy Office | Official guidance on energy-efficient building certifications and tax exemptions. | We used this to explain potential property tax exemptions for HPE and THPE certified buildings. We informed buyers about possible savings for energy-efficient properties. |
| Comparis | Mainstream Swiss comparison platform for insurance and financial products. | We used Comparis to benchmark typical home insurance costs for Geneva apartment owners. We derived realistic annual ranges from their comparison tools. |
| USPI Geneva (Property Managers) | Professional association explaining PPE charge structures and breakdowns. | We used their guidance to explain how PPE charges work and what they typically include. We derived maintenance cost ranges from their published examples. |
| devenir-proprietaire.ch | Swiss resource for comparing ownership costs versus renting. | We referenced their Geneva-specific cost comparisons to validate our PPE charge estimates. We ensured our ongoing cost figures align with local budgeting practices. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Switzerland. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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