Switzerland housing vacancy rate falls below 1 percent

Switzerland's housing vacancy rate fell below 1 percent for the first time in 2026. According to data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (BFS), the vacancy rate stood at 0.93 percent as of June 1, representing 45,493 vacant units nationwide.

This figure marks a decrease of 0.07 percentage points from the previous year and continues a six-year downward trend. The total number of vacant properties declined by 6.1 percent, or 2,962 units. Of the total vacancies, 34,690 units were listed for rent and 10,803 were for sale.

The decline was observed in six of the seven major Swiss regions, with the most significant decreases in Eastern Switzerland, Northwest Switzerland, and Ticino. The Zurich region was the only area to see a slight increase, rising to 0.52 percent. Regionally, the canton of Zug recorded the lowest vacancy rate at 0.20 percent, while Jura had the highest at 3.35 percent.

The Swiss Tenants' Association noted that increased housing construction does not automatically result in affordable rents.