Swiss survey shows high housing costs exceed recommended budget limits

A survey commissioned by the comparison service Comparis reveals that a significant portion of the Swiss population spends more than the recommended one-third of gross household income on housing.

According to the study, 16 percent of all respondents exceed this threshold. The impact is more pronounced among renters, with 22 percent spending more than a third of their income on housing, compared to 7 percent of homeowners. The financial strain is particularly acute for low-income earners; 36 percent of households with a gross income of up to 4,000 Swiss francs spend more than the recommended amount.

Comparis real estate expert Harry Büsser noted that exceeding this ‘one-third rule’ serves as a warning sign, as it may force individuals to reduce spending on other essential areas such as healthcare or retirement savings. The report also highlighted that while banks use a 5 percent calculative interest rate to test mortgage affordability, changing life circumstances—such as retirement, separation, or reduced working hours—can make previously stable homeownership financially precarious.