Sharing an apartment in Switzerland: why this option is so popular

A shared apartment in Switzerland. For many people, that immediately sounds like a dorm. And if you don't know better, that comparison also makes sense. But that's not the way it is. A Swiss WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is quite different from what you're used to in the Netherlands.

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Of all physiotherapists who go to Switzerland via takeoff, no less than 70% opt for a shared home. That is no coincidence.

A shared apartment in Switzerland. For many people, that immediately sounds like a dorm. And if you don't know better, that comparison also makes sense. But that's not the way it is. A Swiss WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is quite different from what you're used to in the Netherlands.

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Of all physiotherapists who go to Switzerland via takeoff, no less than 70% opt for a shared home. That is no coincidence.

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You are immediately not alone

You arrive in a new country. You don't know your way around, you don't know where to go shopping, and you don't have any friends yet. Then it's nice to have roommates right away. People who can tell you how public transport works, where the good restaurants are, or which walking route you shouldn't miss.

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You don't have to spend your first nights alone in an empty apartment. There is always someone to catch up with after your work day. And you can build that social network by yourself. Your roommates know others, you go to a drink or a walk together, and before you know it, you feel at home.

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And yes, sharing a home also saves a lot of money

Of course, the financial side also plays a role. A private apartment in Zurich can easily cost you CHF 1,650 (€1,875) per month. A room in a shared home costs between CHF 600 and CHF 900 (€700-€1,000). So that saves CHF 750 to CHF 1,050 per month.

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In Bern and Lucerne, the difference is slightly smaller, but you still save considerably. You can often find a room there for as little as CHF 650, while a private studio or apartment ranges from CHF 1,400 to CHF 1,500. So you can easily save €500 to €800 per month there too.

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You can use that money to save extra money, pay off your student debt more quickly, or go into the mountains more often. Want to know more about all housing costs? Check us article about the cost of living in Switzerland.

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A shared apartment is not a student house in Switzerland

This is a big difference with the Netherlands. A shared home in Switzerland isn't a messy student house with crates of beer in the hallway and the dishes reaching the ceiling. You live with other working professionals. People of all ages choose this, from their early twenties to well into their 40s or 50s.

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In Switzerland, living with others is just normal. Your roommates are often international employees, Swiss professionals who consciously choose this form of living, or people who travel a lot and don't feel like living in an empty house. The atmosphere is calm and tidy. There are usually clear agreements about cleaning and using common areas. The Swiss simply value order, even at home.

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What should you pay attention to when sharing a home?

In most cases, utilities such as gas, water, electricity and internet are already included in the rental price. Always check this carefully. Also handy: in many shared homes, basic kitchen messages are shared. Think oil, salt, sugar, tea, coffee.

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The amount of your rent depends on the location (downtown is more expensive), the size of your room, whether it's furnished, and whether you have a private bathroom. Most rooms are furnished, which saves you immediate purchase costs.

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Where to find a room in Switzerland

There are plenty of platforms where you can find rooms. So you certainly don't have to search blindly.

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The most important websites:

• WG-Gesucht.de - Also for Switzerland, by far the most used
• Comparis.ch - Compares rooms from different platforms in one overview
• Meinwgzimmer.ch - A lot of offers and organized
• Flatfox.ch - Modern platform with messenger function
• Wgzimmer.ch - Free platform with a wide range of offers
• Weegee.ch - Collects offerings from various platforms

Don't forget Facebook: Many cities have their own groups. Search for “[stad] WG zimmer”, “[stad] flatshare”, or “[stad] Wohnung”. There are often rooms here that cannot be found anywhere else.

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Tips for your search: Start before you go to Switzerland. You get to know the market and what's realistic for your budget. Create a profile with a good photo and write a short, personal text about yourself. Not a standard message, but something really personal.

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Be quick to respond because good rooms are often gone within a day. Many landlords find it no problem to first get acquainted digitally via video calling.

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At takeoff, we help you get started with your search. We'll show you the right platforms and can give you tips on what works. We won't do it for you, but we'll make sure you know where to go and how to go about it.

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What do you need to arrange?

You often get a sublease contract where one person is the main tenant and you sublease with them. This is completely normal in Switzerland. Make sure everything is in writing: the rental price, which costs are included, and the notice period (usually 1-3 months).

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As with your own apartment, you usually deposit a deposit of 1-2 months of rent in a blocked bank account in your name. Afterwards, you will receive this back, including interest.

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When moving in, also make practical agreements with your roommates. Who does the cleaning when? How are common messages arranged? What are the agreements about sound? It's better to have these kinds of things clear right away.

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Is this for you?

A shared apartment is a good fit for you if you want to save money, make easy contact with others and don't necessarily want to be alone all the time. It also gives you more flexibility. After a year or two, you can always decide to find your own place if you know the country better.

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It may not be a good fit if you really need privacy, often receive guests, or have a lot of stuff. But many therapists who initially hesitated are ultimately happy with their choice. In practice, it's not that bad.

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And after those first 1 to 2 years in a shared home? Then most therapists have saved considerably and got to know the country well. They know where they want to live and can choose to own their own apartment or live with their partner. With that money saved, you can then pay for that dream studio with a view of the mountains.

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Want to know more about the total cost of living in Switzerland? Read us article about all the costs of living in Switzerland.

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We'll help you get started

At takeoff, we've already helped more than 90 physical therapists move to Switzerland. We know what it takes to find your first home and are happy to think along with you. Whether you choose a shared home or a private apartment.

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Ready to start your adventure? We'll help you with all the practical issues surrounding your move to Switzerland, from the mandatory SRK recognition to finding your new home. Discover here how we help you when moving to Switzerland.

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