Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Switzerland Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Zurich's property market is included in our pack
Looking for accurate data on Zurich housing prices in 2026?
This guide breaks down everything from median prices to neighborhood comparisons, all based on official Swiss sources.
We update this article regularly to reflect the latest market conditions in Zurich.
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 Zurich.
Insights
- Zurich apartment prices average around CHF 16,900 per square meter in 2026, which means a typical 80 square meter flat costs roughly CHF 1.35 million before any fees or renovations.
- The gap between Zurich's cheapest and priciest neighborhoods is about 50%: Affoltern averages CHF 13,400 per square meter while Seefeld reaches CHF 20,300 per square meter.
- Houses in Zurich are surprisingly rare, making up only 10% to 15% of listings, which explains why house prices run about 45% higher than apartments on a total price basis.
- New construction in Zurich commands a 10% to 20% premium over existing homes, mainly because buyers want to avoid renovation costs and energy upgrades.
- Zurich sellers typically accept 3% to 8% below their asking price, with houses seeing larger discounts than apartments due to longer negotiation cycles.
- Entry-level purchases in Zurich start around CHF 400,000, which gets you a 30 square meter studio in outer districts like Affoltern or Oerlikon.
- Zurich does not charge a traditional property transfer tax, so buyer closing costs stay low at around 1% to 2% of the purchase price.
- Over the past decade, Zurich residential prices have climbed roughly 45% to 70%, driven by limited buildable land and strong demand from high-income professionals.
What is the average housing price in Zurich in 2026?
The median housing price gives a clearer picture than the average in Zurich because it is not skewed by a handful of ultra-expensive lakeside properties that can push averages artificially high.
We are writing this as of the first half of 2026, using the latest data collected from authoritative Swiss sources that we manually verified.
The median apartment price in Zurich in 2026 is CHF 1,686,000 (around $2,140,000 or €1,820,000), while the median house price reaches CHF 2,430,000 (around $3,090,000 or €2,620,000). If you prefer averages, expect roughly CHF 1,700,000 for apartments and CHF 2,800,000 for houses in Zurich.
About 80% of Zurich apartments in 2026 fall between CHF 1,000,000 and CHF 3,360,000, while 80% of houses range from CHF 1,370,000 to CHF 5,010,000.
A realistic entry-level purchase in Zurich in 2026 starts around CHF 400,000 ($510,000 or €430,000), which typically gets you a small 30 square meter studio in an outer district like Affoltern that may need some updating.
For luxury properties in Zurich in 2026, expect to pay CHF 3,000,000 and above ($3,800,000 or €3,200,000), which could be a renovated 150 square meter penthouse in the prestigious Seefeld neighborhood near the lake.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Zurich.
Are Zurich property listing prices close to the actual sale price in 2026?
In Zurich in 2026, apartments typically sell for 3% to 6% below the asking price, while houses close at 5% to 8% below list price.
Sellers in Zurich often set aspirational prices to test the market, especially in premium lakeside areas where prestige plays a role. However, the tight supply of homes in the city prevents large discounts, so negotiations stay modest compared to less competitive markets.
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What is the price per sq m or per sq ft for properties in Zurich in 2026?
As of early 2026, the median apartment price in Zurich is CHF 16,860 per square meter ($21,400 or €18,200 per square meter), which translates to about CHF 1,570 per square foot ($2,000 or €1,690 per square foot). Houses in Zurich average CHF 16,200 per square meter ($20,600 or €17,400 per square meter), or roughly CHF 1,500 per square foot ($1,910 or €1,620 per square foot).
Small units like studios in central or lakeside areas command the highest price per square meter in Zurich in 2026, while larger older apartments in outer districts like Affoltern have the lowest rates because buyers factor in renovation costs and longer commutes.
The priciest neighborhoods in Zurich in 2026 are Seefeld (8008) at around CHF 20,300 per square meter and Hirslanden (8032) at around CHF 20,000 per square meter. The most affordable areas include Affoltern (8046) at around CHF 13,400 per square meter and Oerlikon (8050) at around CHF 15,700 per square meter.
How have property prices evolved in Zurich?
Compared to January 2025, Zurich property prices in January 2026 have increased by roughly 3% to 5%. This growth comes from continued low interest rates in Switzerland and persistent housing shortages in the city center.
Looking back ten years to 2016, Zurich housing prices have climbed approximately 45% to 70% in nominal terms. Strong employment in finance and tech, combined with very limited new construction, has steadily pushed prices upward over the decade.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the latest updates on property price variations in Zurich.
Finally, if you want to know whether now is a good time to buy a property there, you can check our pack covering everything there is to know about the housing market in Zurich.
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 types of properties are available and at what prices in Zurich in 2026?
In Zurich in 2026, apartments dominate the market at 85% to 90% of listings, while houses make up only 10% to 15% because the city is densely built and single-family homes are scarce.
Prices vary significantly by property type in Zurich as of the first half of 2026. A studio apartment averages around CHF 1,000,000 ($1,270,000 or €1,080,000), a 2-room apartment runs about CHF 1,300,000 ($1,650,000 or €1,400,000), a 3-room apartment costs roughly CHF 1,600,000 ($2,030,000 or €1,720,000), and a family-sized 4-room apartment reaches approximately CHF 2,000,000 ($2,540,000 or €2,160,000). Houses in Zurich average around CHF 2,400,000 ($3,050,000 or €2,590,000).
If you want to know more, you should read our dedicated analyses:
How do property prices compare between existing and new homes in Zurich in 2026?
New construction in Zurich in 2026 typically costs 10% to 20% more than comparable existing homes in the same neighborhood.
Buyers pay this premium because new buildings offer better energy efficiency, modern layouts, and no immediate renovation needs, which reduces uncertainty and future spending.
Buying real estate in Zurich can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
How do property prices vary by neighborhood in Zurich in 2026?
Seefeld (8008) is one of Zurich's most desirable neighborhoods, sitting right on the lake with excellent restaurants and a prestige address. A renovated 3-room apartment of 90 square meters in Seefeld costs around CHF 1,830,000 ($2,330,000 or €1,970,000) because buyers pay a premium for the waterfront lifestyle.
Enge (8002) attracts professionals who want quick access to the main train station and the business district while staying close to the lake. Expect to pay around CHF 1,750,000 ($2,230,000 or €1,890,000) for a similar 90 square meter apartment in Enge in 2026.
Hirslanden (8032) is popular with families seeking a quieter, leafy environment with good schools and hillside views. A 100 square meter family apartment in Hirslanden runs about CHF 2,000,000 ($2,540,000 or €2,160,000) in January 2026.
You will find a much more detailed analysis by areas in our property pack about Zurich. Meanwhile, here is a quick summary table we have made so you can understand how prices change across areas:
| Neighborhood | Character | Avg price range (80 sqm) | Avg per sqm | Avg per sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seefeld (8008) | Lake, premium, expat | CHF 1.46M - 1.79M ($1.86M - $2.28M) | CHF 18,300 - 22,300 ($23,300 - $28,400) | CHF 1,700 - 2,070 ($2,160 - $2,640) |
| Hirslanden (8032) | Family, views, premium | CHF 1.44M - 1.76M ($1.83M - $2.24M) | CHF 18,000 - 22,000 ($22,900 - $28,000) | CHF 1,670 - 2,040 ($2,130 - $2,590) |
| Enge (8002) | Commute, lake, premium | CHF 1.40M - 1.71M ($1.78M - $2.17M) | CHF 17,500 - 21,400 ($22,200 - $27,200) | CHF 1,630 - 1,990 ($2,070 - $2,540) |
| Oberstrass (8006) | Family, central | CHF 1.36M - 1.67M ($1.73M - $2.13M) | CHF 17,000 - 20,800 ($21,600 - $26,500) | CHF 1,580 - 1,930 ($2,010 - $2,450) |
| Aussersihl (8004) | Popular, central | CHF 1.36M - 1.66M ($1.73M - $2.12M) | CHF 17,000 - 20,800 ($21,600 - $26,400) | CHF 1,580 - 1,930 ($2,010 - $2,450) |
| Zurich-West (8005) | Popular, newer builds | CHF 1.35M - 1.65M ($1.72M - $2.10M) | CHF 16,900 - 20,700 ($21,400 - $26,300) | CHF 1,570 - 1,920 ($2,000 - $2,440) |
| Wollishofen (8038) | Family, lake-adjacent | CHF 1.34M - 1.64M ($1.71M - $2.08M) | CHF 16,700 - 20,400 ($21,000 - $25,900) | CHF 1,550 - 1,900 ($1,970 - $2,410) |
| Altstadt (8001) | Central, prestige | CHF 1.31M - 1.60M ($1.66M - $2.04M) | CHF 16,400 - 20,000 ($20,800 - $25,400) | CHF 1,520 - 1,860 ($1,940 - $2,370) |
| Wipkingen (8037) | Popular, value | CHF 1.24M - 1.52M ($1.58M - $1.93M) | CHF 15,500 - 18,900 ($19,700 - $24,000) | CHF 1,440 - 1,760 ($1,830 - $2,240) |
| Altstetten (8048) | Commute, value | CHF 1.16M - 1.42M ($1.47M - $1.80M) | CHF 14,600 - 17,800 ($18,500 - $22,600) | CHF 1,350 - 1,650 ($1,720 - $2,100) |
| Oerlikon (8050) | Commute, growth | CHF 1.13M - 1.38M ($1.43M - $1.76M) | CHF 14,100 - 17,200 ($18,000 - $21,900) | CHF 1,310 - 1,600 ($1,670 - $2,030) |
| Affoltern (8046) | Most affordable | CHF 0.96M - 1.18M ($1.22M - $1.50M) | CHF 12,000 - 14,700 ($15,300 - $18,700) | CHF 1,120 - 1,360 ($1,420 - $1,730) |
How much more do you pay for properties in Zurich when you include renovation work, taxes, and fees?
When buying property in Zurich in 2026, expect to add 1% to 2% for closing costs on a turnkey home, or 5% to 20% if the property needs renovation work.
If you buy a property for $200,000 (CHF 157,000) in Zurich, which would be below market for any standard residential purchase, your fees would add around CHF 2,400 to CHF 3,100 ($3,000 to $4,000). However, this price point does not realistically exist for homes in the city.
For a $500,000 purchase (CHF 393,000), which is entry-level in Zurich, expect to pay an additional CHF 6,000 to CHF 8,000 ($7,600 to $10,200) in fees, plus potentially CHF 40,000 ($51,000) if the studio or small apartment needs renovation.
At the $1,000,000 level (CHF 786,000), closing costs would run around CHF 12,000 to CHF 16,000 ($15,000 to $20,000), and a light refresh might add another CHF 40,000 to CHF 55,000 ($51,000 to $70,000) to your total.
By the way, we keep updated a blog article detailing the property taxes and fees to factor in the total buying cost in Zurich.
Meanwhile, here is a detailed table of the additional expenses you may have to pay when buying a new property in Zurich
| Expense | Type | Estimated cost range and explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Land registry fees | Fees | Around 0.1% to 0.5% of the purchase price (CHF 1,000 to CHF 8,000 on a CHF 1.5 million property). These administrative fees cover registering the property transfer with the cantonal land registry. The exact amount depends on the property value and mortgage arrangements. |
| Notary fees | Fees | Around 0.2% to 0.8% of the purchase price (CHF 3,000 to CHF 12,000 on a CHF 1.5 million property). Notaries in Zurich prepare and authenticate the sale contract, which is mandatory for property transfers. Costs vary based on transaction complexity. |
| Transfer charges | Fees | Around 0.1% to 1.3% of the purchase price (CHF 1,500 to CHF 20,000 on a CHF 1.5 million property). Zurich does not have a traditional property transfer tax but charges administrative fees that function similarly. These cover the formal change of ownership. |
| Light renovation | Renovation | Around 3% to 7% of the purchase price (CHF 45,000 to CHF 105,000 on a CHF 1.5 million property). This covers cosmetic updates like fresh paint, new flooring, and updated fixtures. Most move-in ready apartments need only minor refreshing. |
| Full renovation | Renovation | Around 10% to 20% of the purchase price (CHF 150,000 to CHF 300,000 on a CHF 1.5 million property). Full renovations include kitchen and bathroom overhauls, electrical updates, and energy efficiency improvements. Older buildings in Zurich often require this level of work. |
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.
What properties can you buy in Zurich in 2026 with different budgets?
With $100,000 (CHF 79,000), there is no residential property market in Zurich because even the smallest studios in the cheapest neighborhoods start well above this level.
With $200,000 (CHF 157,000), you still cannot purchase any standard residential property in Zurich, as prices are significantly higher even for entry-level options.
With $300,000 (CHF 236,000), the Zurich residential market remains out of reach, with no apartments or houses available at this price point.
With $500,000 (CHF 393,000), you can just enter the Zurich market with options like a 29 square meter existing studio in Affoltern (8046) that needs updating, a 25 square meter micro-studio in Oerlikon (8050) requiring work, or occasionally a small 28 square meter studio in Altstetten (8048).
With $1,000,000 (CHF 786,000), you can buy a 45 to 50 square meter existing studio in Affoltern, a 40 to 45 square meter 2-room apartment in Oerlikon, or a small 45 square meter 2-room apartment in Altstetten.
With $2,000,000 (CHF 1,573,000), you can access mainstream Zurich apartments such as an 80 to 85 square meter 3-room apartment in Wipkingen (8037), a similar 75 to 85 square meter 3-room flat in Zurich-West (8005), or a 70 to 80 square meter 2 to 3-room apartment in the more central Enge (8002).
If you need a more detailed analysis, we have a blog article detailing what you can buy at different budget levels in Zurich.
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 Zurich, 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 it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss National Bank (SNB) | Switzerland's central bank publishes official exchange rates used throughout the financial system. | We used SNB rates to convert all CHF prices into USD and EUR. We applied the December 24, 2025 rates as our January 2026 conversion anchor. |
| Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO) | The national statistics office publishes Switzerland's official residential property price index (IMPI). | We used FSO data to understand how Zurich prices have changed over time. We relied on it for direction and magnitude of national and regional trends. |
| RealAdvisor | A major Swiss property valuation platform that publishes clear medians, price bands, and locality-level data. | We used RealAdvisor for median and average prices, 80% market ranges, and price-per-square-meter by neighborhood. We also used its room-count breakdowns for our housing type tables. |
| Homegate | One of Switzerland's largest real estate marketplaces with extensive listing-based pricing data. | We used Homegate to cross-check asking prices and understand overall market ranges. We relied on it mainly for discussions about listing versus closing prices. |
| ImmoScout24 | A top Swiss property portal that publishes transparent median and range data from its listing dataset. | We used ImmoScout24 to verify house price-per-square-meter data and typical home examples. We treated it as an independent check against Homegate figures. |
| Comparis | A mainstream Swiss comparison platform that summarizes canton-specific property rules clearly. | We used Comparis to confirm that Zurich does not levy a classic property transfer tax. We referenced it when estimating buyer closing costs. |
| Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) | A major cantonal bank that publishes a dedicated index tracking owner-occupied housing in Canton Zurich. | We used ZKB's ZWEX index to understand where prices are highest and lowest across the region. We kept it as context for our Zurich city-specific analysis. |
| Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) | FRED provides access to BIS residential property price data with long-term historical series. | We used FRED to verify Switzerland's long-term property price appreciation trends. We referenced it for our 10-year comparison discussion. |
| FSO Consumer Price Index | The official Swiss inflation measure used to calculate real versus nominal price changes. | We used CPI data to note that Swiss inflation has been low, making nominal and real price changes similar. We referenced it when discussing inflation-adjusted returns. |
| Swiss cantonal land registries | Official government records of all property transactions in each canton. | We used registry information indirectly through aggregated data in other sources. We relied on them as the ultimate source of transaction records. |
| Local Zurich real estate agents | Professionals with direct market experience and knowledge of current transaction dynamics. | We consulted agent insights to understand typical negotiation ranges. We used their input to estimate the gap between listing and closing prices. |
| Swiss mortgage lenders | Banks and lenders with detailed knowledge of property valuations and buyer behavior. | We referenced lender data to understand affordability constraints. We used their insights to explain why supply remains tight. |
| Zurich city planning department | Official source for zoning regulations and new construction permits in the city. | We used planning data to explain why new supply is limited. We referenced it when discussing long-term price drivers. |
| Swiss property appraisers | Licensed professionals who conduct formal property valuations for transactions and financing. | We consulted appraiser methodologies to understand valuation approaches. We used their standards when discussing new versus existing price premiums. |
| Swiss construction cost indices | Official measures of building costs that influence new construction pricing. | We referenced construction costs to explain the new-build premium. We used them to estimate renovation expense ranges. |
| Zurich cantonal tax authority | The official source for property-related fees and charges in Canton Zurich. | We used tax authority information to confirm fee structures. We referenced it for our closing costs estimates. |
| Swiss notary associations | Professional organizations that publish guidance on transaction fees and procedures. | We used notary fee schedules to estimate closing costs. We referenced their standards for typical transaction expenses. |
| International property indices | Cross-border datasets that allow comparison of Swiss prices to other markets. | We used international data to provide context for Zurich's price levels. We referenced them when discussing market positioning. |
| Swiss demographic data (FSO) | Official population and migration statistics that drive housing demand. | We used demographic trends to explain demand pressures. We referenced population growth when discussing price drivers. |
| Zurich employment statistics | Official data on jobs and incomes that influence buying power in the city. | We used employment data to explain Zurich's high-income buyer base. We referenced it when discussing long-term demand factors. |
| Swiss energy efficiency standards | Regulations that affect building values and renovation requirements. | We used energy standards to explain why newer buildings command premiums. We referenced them in renovation cost discussions. |
| Zurich transport authority (VBZ) | Provides data on public transit access that affects neighborhood desirability. | We used transit data to explain neighborhood price differences. We referenced accessibility when describing area characteristics. |
| Swiss National Bank interest rate decisions | Central bank policy that directly affects mortgage rates and affordability. | We used interest rate information to explain current market conditions. We referenced low rates as a factor supporting prices. |
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