Houses for rent in Zürich

Zürich's rental market is tight, and it has been that way for years: a decent flat near the Hauptbahnhof or the lake can draw dozens of applications within days. This site lists rentals across all twelve Kreise, from central Kreis 1 studios above the Niederdorf to family houses in Höngg with room to breathe.

Which Kreis fits your budget

Kreis 1 sits in the Altstadt itself, which means charm but also tourists, noise and very few families; it suits people who want to walk everywhere and don't mind cobblestones under their windows. Kreis 4, covering Langstrasse and Aussersihl, is mixed and lively, popular with renters who want cheaper prices close to downtown and don't mind some grit. Head west into Kreis 9 (Altstetten, Albisrieden) or Kreis 10 (Höngg, Wipkingen) for more space per franc, solid tram and S-Bahn links, and quieter streets; Höngg in particular is known for its vineyards and its stock of family housing. On the lake's right shore, Kreis 8 (Seefeld, Mühlebach) is expensive and sought-after, while Kreis 7 climbs the Zürichberg through Fluntern and Hottingen at similar prices. Kreis 12, Schwamendingen, tends to be the most affordable of the twelve and still sits on a direct tram line into the centre.

Before you apply

1. Put together your Betreibungsauszug (debt collection extract), a copy of your ID and a recent salary slip before you start looking. Landlords expect these with the application, not after.
2. View the flat in person if you can. Photos rarely show street noise, a north-facing living room, or a stairwell that smells of the restaurant downstairs.
3. Move fast. In a market this tight, a flat that looks right can be gone within a day.
4. If you're renting privately, check the notice period on the current lease: unfurnished contracts commonly run three months to the next termination date, which matters for timing a move.

Search by Kreis, room count or price above, then get in touch directly with whoever posted the listing; there's no agency inbox in between. Posting your own rental is free, needs no account and works the same in German, English, French and Italian.