Geneva

Geneva is Switzerland's second-largest city and its most international: home to the UN European HQ, WHO, WTO, ICRC, CERN, and 25+ other international organisations alongside major private banks and trading houses. The local market is among Europe's tightest -- Geneva's geographical constraints (Lake Geneva, the French border, the Alps) leave almost no room for expansion, sustaining permanent supply pressure. Residential prices run CHF 13,000-22,000 per square metre in central districts (Eaux-Vives, Champel, Old Town, Plainpalais), with gross yields of 2.5-3.5% -- among the lowest in Switzerland. The very high concentration of international civil servants, diplomats, traders, and private bankers underpins consistent rental demand at premium price points. Lex Koller applies as it does in Zurich: non-resident foreigners face restrictions. Best suited to international families relocating with Geneva-based work, or to high-net-worth buyers using authorized commercial structures. Yields are thin but rental stability is exceptional.