Property Management in Zurich by UpperKey
- UpperKey News
- Nov 21, 2020
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2024
For those fortunate enough to be real estate property owners in Zurich, we’d like to help you to reap more of the rewards that you deserve. As experts in real estate management, we make your life easier—freeing up precious time to spend on more valuable pursuits. And, by utilising our guaranteed rental income for Zurich properties, you’ll receive a competitive income without the associated stress. Why have a dog, and bark yourself?
Why would you choose to do so much of the hard work when you don’t have to? Are you still trying to locate tenants, arrange advertising, organise changeovers and keep the décor in tiptop condition? Leave all of that to us, and you can finally get on with the things you’d rather be doing. UpperKey provides a complete service and additional services. Utilising only the most professional partners, you’ll be confident of the effort and efficiency of our fabulously adept team—entirely dependable in every task.
Zurich: Switzerland’s capital of finance
Renowned for its business profile, Zurich still consistently perches at the top of surveys dictating the cities offering the most exceptional quality of life. Zurich has seen a significant boom in arts and popular culture, as well as the steady growth of innovative new restaurants and an active club scene.
Fuelled with a selection of public and international schools, prestigious universities, masses of European culture and stunning natural surroundings, abound with year-round sports and adventure activities; Zurich has it all.
We know why you’d buy into Zurich, so here’s a little about the how
Switzerland is going through some major tax reforms. The government has been trying to combat high real estate property prices and provide some healthier movement within the righ property market.
It’s looking good so far. And, hopefully, the new legislation will bring added activity to further corners of its real estate supply and demand.
Renting your home in Switzerland is the majority rule, so any investment into apartments, especially the most highly regarded areas, is a shrewd move. Only around a third of Zurich’s residents own their own holiday homes.
However, if you don’t already own a real estate property in Zurich, or anywhere in Switzerland for that matter, it could be harder than you’d expect. There are strict regulations for foreigners wishing to buy into the country.
Restrictions on foreigners buying real estate property in Switzerland
For a foreigner trying to buy into the Swiss real estate property market, there are a couple of strict rules that can grind the most hopeful of buyers to a standstill. You can only buy real estate property as an investment, rental or holiday home in Switzerland if you:
· Are an EU or EFTA national, with a Swiss permit, residing in Switzerland, or
· Hold a Swiss C Permit
These are big hoops to jump through. You can buy a real estate property as your main residence if you hold a Swiss B Permit, but commercial options and intents then are limited. Falling outside the restrictions means it’s difficult to buy a real estate property. You may be entitled to buy a license to purchase a real estate property, but the stipulation of such varies from canton to canton. It’s a good time to buy if you can cut through all the legislation If you can find a way through the red tape, or you satisfy the existing criteria, then the Swiss franc is strong, interest rates are strong, and real estate property prices are finally starting to drop after a period of excessive growth.
The Swiss lifestyle offers predominantly apartment living
Apartment living is the standard throughout Switzerland, especially in the more densely populated regions and city areas. Owning an apartment means that letters should be provided with a steady stream of tenants—another big tick for the hopeful or existing investor.
Information for the potential Zurich real estate property investor
Zurich offers a wide range of areas to visit or to live. It’s an affluent and remarkable city with a thriving business arena attracting high-reaching professionals, wealthy executives and talented young families searching out a finer life. From the Old Town to the Gold Coast, Zurich offers luxury, wealth and plenty of character.
What to expect from Zurich rental yields
The gross rental yield in Zurich city centre locations stands at 3.27%. That’s only 0.5% less than the 3.74% rental yield for properties located outside the city centre locations.
Zurich’s rental yields, in the same way as Geneva’s, offer better opportunities than in both London and Paris—another point worthy of consideration.
Real estate property & Rental Values in Zurich
How much money do you need to buy an apartment in Zurich? Given the average prices, buyers will need around £9.6k per square meter to buy into Zurich’s real estate property market. (€11.3k) The lowest-priced properties currently stand at £5.2k/m2 with the top end of £12.6k/m2. (€6.2k–€14.8k)
Typical rental prices in Zurich
A single bedroom apartment in the city centre offers an average rent of around £1.4k/month. (€1.6k)
The bottom end of the market offers one-bed apartments at £1k/month with top-end prices of around £1.8k/month. (€1.2k–€2.2k)
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre will achieve an average rent of around £2.6k/month. (€3.1k)
At the time of writing, Zurich’s three-bed apartment short-term rentals ranged from £1.9k to £3.5k per month. (€2.3k–€4k)
UpperKey works efficiently and effectively to provide great value, but also to maximise profit. By offering the generous guaranteed rent scheme Zurich apartment owners need, within current market prices, we’re confident that we’re the best you’ll find.
Zurich: Where are the best areas to live, visit, work and play?
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland. It’s the home of banking and finance and is also the residence of many influential national and international businesses. Put that to one side, and you’ll notice that amidst the dealing and juggling of numbers and currency, Zurich is also plentiful in beautiful spaces layered with natural beauty.
Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, it holds a natural and open feel, with views stretching along the horizon featuring stunning snow-capped mountain ranges and alpine vistas.
The 12 Districts of Zurich
Zurich is broken down into 12 districts, known as Kreis in German. Each one contains up to 4 neighbourhoods, of which there are 34 in total.
The following guide will help you to understand how they are alternatively named and which neighbourhoods you’ll find in each of them.
District 1: Altstadt Neighbourhoods: Rathaus, Hochschulen, Lindenhof, City
District 2: Neighbourhoods: Wollishofen, Leimbach, Enge
District 3: Wiedikon Neighbourhoods: Alt-Wiedikon, Friesenberg, Sihlfeld
District 4: Aussersihl Neighbourhoods: Werd, Langstrasse, Hard
District 5: Industrie Neighbourhoods: Gewerbeschule, Esceher Wyss
District 6: Neighbourhoods: Unterstrass, Oberstrass
District 7: Neighbourhoods: Fluntern, Hottingen, Hirslanden, Witikon
District 8: Riesbach Neighbourhoods: Seefeld, Mülebach, Weinegg
District 9: Neighbourhoods: Albisrieden, Altstetten
District 10: Neighbourhoods: Höngg, Wipkingen
District 11: Neighbourhoods: Affoltern, Oerlikon, Seebach
District 12: Schwamendingen Neighbourhoods: Saatien, Schwamendingen Mitte, Hirzenbach
Where should you stay when you visit Zurich?
There is far more than meets the eye when planning a visit, or indeed life, in Zurich.
The Swiss city offers many exciting things to see and do, cultures and activities to experience, and plenty of history to immerse yourself in if that’s what makes you tick.
There are options for most budgets, despite being a notoriously affluent area, with fun to be had for the most peaceful traveller or decadent reveller.
What visitors can expect to achieve from a visit to Zurich
For the first time visitor
For visitors who haven’t been to Zurich before, Bahnhofstrasse is a great place to start.
Located on the west side of the Limmat River, this neighbourhood is responsible for half of downtown Zurich. There are plenty of the most renowned tourist attractions, as well as the famous landmarks, statues and monuments. Of these, popular stop-offs should be Fraumünster Church, Museum Strauhof, Kirche St. Peter and the Old Botanical Garden. Those ready for a break will find plenty of places to enjoy a fondue, chocolate or any of the other traditional Swiss cuisine’s they crave.
When looking for style and sophistication
Zurich West is one of the newest and most contemporary neighbourhoods of Zurich. What was originally an industrial area, it is now one of the most chic and fashionable areas in the city.
Gone are the dilapidated factories and abandoned warehouses. In their place, you’ll find designer boutiques, sophisticated restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Shoppers will head for the Im Viadukt for an all-in experience, one that features a selection of varying culinary eateries. Prime Tower is a popular tourist stop too, where one can enjoy the far-reaching and striking views after climbing to its top. Schiffbau has boutiques and bars, restaurants and cafés; yet for something a little more cultural with a modern twist, there are the many works of art housed at the Museum of Digital Art.
Family visits are more suited to District 2
Housed along the western shores of Lake Zurich and not too far from the city centre, District 2 provides a sensible base for family visitors looking for a selection of activities and suitable places to stay.
It’s a healthy break from the lively city centre; smattered with everything you might need for the kids, foodies and fashionistas alike.
For gardeners, a visit to the Botanical Gardens, and football fans the world over will be drawn to the FIFA World Football Museum.
For those who simply want to turn off and tune out, the Thermalbad & Spa is a must. Who wouldn’t feel recharged and rejuvenated after a trip to the thermal baths, bistro and rooftop pool? What a way to relieve the stresses of the daily grind.
Entertainment for night-owls and party people
For DJs, live bands and real Swiss nightlife, District 4 makes an ideal home-from-home.
Until recently, District 4 was predominantly home to Zurich’s red light district. Today, after a shift in momentum and a real transformation, it’s far more appropriate for the modern clubber and sophisticated all-night reveller. From underground nightclubs to chic wine bars and shows, District 4 has all tastes accounted for. District 4 also has its open spaces such as Kasernenareal Park, or for something a little more unusual there’s the quirky Jeansmuseum. Despite the reinvention of District 4, visitors should be aware that they could still stumble into a selection of strip clubs what’s left of the red-light district in parts of Langstrasse.
Zurich for those a little more budget-conscious
Altstadt is just across the river from Bahnhofstrasse. This is Zurich’s Old Town with a long-standing reputation for its social, cultural and historical heritage. Altstadt is full of wonderful old architecture, winding lanes and medieval buildings. It’s ideal for exploring on foot and packed with wonderful sights.
There are also plenty of art galleries and exhibitions, museums, cabaret and performance centres. Zurich Town Hall is striking, as is the Predigerkirche Church and the Zunftstadt History Museum for those who demand a little more culture.
Despite Zurich’s expensive reputation, there are plenty of budget hostels and boutique hotels to be found. For those not worried about racking up costs, there is no shortage of upmarket options.
For those thinking of living and working in Geneva
Because Zurich is such a compact city, it lends itself well to singles living the dream or to couples who can comfortably manage in smaller apartments. For families, Zurich is safe and has some of the best schools available. Finding somewhere to suit visitor needs and numbers can be a daunting challenge, but with patience and research, there are neighbourhoods to suit all eventualities.
For singles, couples, or those with older children
Living in a city centre apartment will often mean an economy on space. Living on the shore of the lake, it’s lush and green—ideal for a steady, simple life, scenic walks and botanical gardens. Properties are expensive, but you soon see why. Enge and Seefled are popular with professionals: think bankers and lawyers.
Langstrasse is lively and cosmopolitan. It has entertained a facelift in recent years, becoming far classier than before. Properties are affordable, but with the current changes raising the tone, the prices are set to rise accordingly. Young people looking for nightlife will be drawn to Oberstrass and Unterstrass, around the university, or Oerlikon and Affoltern, which were both previously industrial areas. Looking for schools for your children Visitors might have to head a little further out of the city to find the best areas to home and school their children.
Wädenswil, Horgen, Thalwil, Rüschlikon, Kilchberg, Enge, Küsnacht and Zollikon are some of the most appropriate neighbourhoods. They still offer plenty of quick transport links into the city, as do most Zurich districts and neighbourhoods, and are nearly all home to relatively well speaking English communities.
Maximising real estate property investments with guaranteed rent in Zurich
By accessing the tools and services UpperKey bring to every apartment we manage, our clients stand to gain more from their Zurich investments than they’d ever hoped. Our standard policy offers one of the most competitive guaranteed rent schemes in Zurich. Not only does this remove risk, it adds the certainty of income every investor hopes for. Our guaranteed real estate property rental schemes are working for apartment owners all over the capital. Just read our testimonials to find out how they’re working out for real estate property owners just like you.
The additional bonus experienced by our clients, is the amount of time they recover by passing the physical duties to our team. Whether you choose to reinvest the time gained into additional business or investment practices, or more leisurely pursuits, that’s entirely up to you.
We’re confident that we’re the best choice of the guaranteed rent companies and real estate agencies in Zurich. We’ve proved it time and time again, through every neighbourhood and Kreis.
