Our home finder in Italian Switzerland will help you find your ideal home

Horloge avec un cadre orange
Save time and skip the stress

Main tenant une petite maison blanche avec un toit rouge et une porte bleue.
Rent at real local prices

Icône de bouclier vert avec une coche blanche, symbole de sécurité ou d'assurance.
Secure your new home safely from abroad

I describe my search
Flèche de navigation
Flèche de navigation
Flèche de navigation
4.8
Read the 1,100+ Google reviews Read reviews
Trustpilot 4.6
Read the 100+ Trustpilot reviews Read reviews

Why choose a home finder ?

Reliability of listings
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
Your hunter is there to select the goods, he visits them, alone, with you in person, or with you by video. And above all, he knows how to rely on reliable business partners who only present him with quality goods.
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Market access
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
Your hunter can offer you his own goods, he also has access to all the offers published on the market, and even to quite a few off market offers
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Scam risk
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
At Remoters, we no longer count the number of French people who have signed a rental contract abroad, without understanding it. Some unscrupulous sellers take advantage of this to insert conditions that are disadvantageous for the tenant. This cannot happen when the contract is reviewed by our hunter.
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Access to local prices
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
Quand vous cherchez seul, environ 85% du temps est consacré aux recherches, et 15% aux visites. Avec un chasseur, vous ne faites que les visites
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Application accepted
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
In areas where homeowners have plenty of candidates to choose from, they rarely choose foreigners first. Your hunter will use his influence (and his mastery of the language) to put your case before others.
Icône de fermeture (croix)
Symbole d'information en cercle bleu foncé sur fond transparent.
Satisfaction
Only 20% of satisfied buyers according to the 2018 Crédit Foncier study. For its part, Remoters gets a score of 4/5 or 5/5 in 95% of cases
Icône de fermeture (croix)

Browsing online listings

Weak
Weak
Elevated
Icône rouge de croix X sur fond blanc.
Uncertain
20%

Finding with Remoters

Total
Total
Weak
Very likely
95%
Photo chasseur immobilier - francesco et nicola - Italian Switzerland

francesco et nicola, or another of our hunters in Italian Switzerland, will take care of your search

Italian Switzerland 450 CHF 1,200 CHF

The total monthly occupancy cost for a student renting in Italian Switzerland (Canton Ticino) is made up of several components:

  • Base rent (affitto): The net rent agreed in the lease, typically ranging from 450 CHF per month for a shared room to 1,200 CHF per month for a studio, according to the Learn Lugano platform (City of Lugano, USI, SUPSI, 2024).
  • Ancillary costs (costi aggiuntivi / Nebenkosten): These are service charges covering heating, hot water, cold water, electricity in common areas, building maintenance, and sometimes cable TV or caretaker fees. They are either billed as a monthly advance with annual adjustment, or as a flat rate. Tenants are entitled to an annual statement of actual costs (Swiss Code of Obligations, Art. 257a).
  • Security deposit (cauzione): Swiss law (Art. 257e of the Code of Obligations) caps the rental deposit at a maximum of three months' net rent. The deposit must be held in a blocked bank account in the tenant's name — never paid in cash to the landlord.
  • Agency fees: In Switzerland, agency or brokerage fees are generally borne by the party who commissioned the agent. In practice, landlords typically pay agency fees; tenants should not be charged a commission unless they have explicitly mandated the agent.
  • Home insurance (assicurazione RC locatario): There is no legal obligation for tenants to hold personal liability insurance in Ticino, but it is strongly recommended and many landlords request proof of coverage. Annual premiums are typically modest.
  • Health insurance (LAMal): Mandatory for all residents in Switzerland within three months of arrival; this is a significant fixed monthly cost separate from rent.

Italian Switzerland (Canton Ticino) in brief for international students:

  • Main universities: USI (Lugano & Mendrisio), SUPSI (multiple campuses), Franklin University Switzerland (Lugano)
  • Student room or studio rent: 450–1,200 CHF per month including ancillary costs (Learn Lugano, 2024)
  • On-campus housing is very limited — most students rent privately
  • Best neighbourhoods: Lugano Centro, Viganello, Massagno, Pregassona, Paradiso, Mendrisio
  • Security deposit (cauzione): up to 3 months' rent, held in a blocked bank account
  • Rental dossier must include: ID/permit, proof of funds, debt extract or home-country credit report
  • Register with your Comune upon arrival and take out mandatory Swiss health insurance (LAMal) within 3 months

Finding long-term rental accommodation in Italian Switzerland as an international student requires early planning and a well-prepared rental dossier. The Canton of Ticino's rental market — centred on Lugano — is competitive, particularly at the start of each academic semester when students from USI, SUPSI, and Franklin University Switzerland are all searching simultaneously. Unlike some other Swiss cities, Lugano does not have a large stock of purpose-built student housing: USI's two official residences (USI Home in Lugano and Casa dell'Accademia in Mendrisio) prioritise exchange students and scholarship holders, meaning most students must navigate the private rental market. Key platforms for finding rentals in Ticino include Homegate.ch, ImmoScout24.ch, annunci-immobiliari.ch, and the USI Housing Service's own listings database at client-alloggi.usi.ch. The weekly publication Cerca e Trova and the Extra supplement of the Corriere del Ticino also list available rentals every week.

Italian Switzerland, corresponding to the Canton of Ticino, is the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland and home to several internationally recognised higher education institutions. The Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano and Mendrisio, the Scuola Universitaria Professionale della Svizzera italiana (SUPSI) with campuses across the canton, and Franklin University Switzerland (FUS) in Lugano together form a vibrant academic community. The main student rental market is concentrated in Lugano and its suburbs — including Viganello, Massagno, and Pregassona — where monthly rents for a room or studio range from approximately 450 CHF per month to 1,200 CHF per month including ancillary costs, according to the Learn Lugano platform (2024). Swiss rental law requires a security deposit (cauzione) of up to three months' net rent, held in a blocked bank account under the tenant's name. International students must also register with the local municipality upon arrival and take out mandatory Swiss health insurance (LAMal) within three months.

Finding long-term rental accommodation in Italian Switzerland as an international student requires early planning and a well-prepared rental dossier. The Canton of Ticino's rental market — centred on Lugano — is competitive, particularly at the start of each academic semester when students from USI, SUPSI, and Franklin University Switzerland are all searching simultaneously. Unlike some other Swiss cities, Lugano does not have a large stock of purpose-built student housing: USI's two official residences (USI Home in Lugano and Casa dell'Accademia in Mendrisio) prioritise exchange students and scholarship holders, meaning most students must navigate the private rental market. Key platforms for finding rentals in Ticino include Homegate.ch, ImmoScout24.ch, annunci-immobiliari.ch, and the USI Housing Service's own listings database at client-alloggi.usi.ch. The weekly publication Cerca e Trova and the Extra supplement of the Corriere del Ticino also list available rentals every week.

A student rental budget in Italian Switzerland typically comprises net rent, ancillary costs (costi aggiuntivi) for heating and building services, a security deposit of up to three months' rent, and recommended personal liability insurance.

Renting in Italian Switzerland as an international student requires careful budget planning. Beyond the monthly rent, students must account for ancillary costs (costi aggiuntivi), which cover heating, hot water, water supply, and shared building services. In managed student residences such as Castalia or CasaStudenti Lugano, these costs are often bundled into a single monthly fee, making budgeting more predictable. In the private rental market, ancillary costs are billed separately — either as a monthly advance adjusted annually or as a fixed flat rate. The security deposit (cauzione), legally capped at three months' net rent under Art. 257e of the Swiss Code of Obligations, must be deposited in a blocked bank account in the tenant's name. Students should also plan for mandatory Swiss health insurance (LAMal), which represents a significant fixed monthly expense independent of housing costs.

International students searching for accommodation in Italian Switzerland frequently make the following mistakes:

  • Underestimating the security deposit: Many students are surprised by the cauzione requirement of up to three months' net rent, which must be deposited in a blocked bank account — not paid in cash. Failing to budget for this upfront cost can delay the signing of a lease.
  • Applying without a complete rental dossier: Swiss landlords expect a full application package including a valid ID or residence permit, proof of financial resources (such as a scholarship letter or parental guarantee), and — for residents — an extract from the debt enforcement register (Betreibungsregisterauszug). Newly arrived international students who cannot yet obtain a Swiss debt extract should substitute it with a credit report from their home country and a cover letter of explanation.
  • Starting the search too late: The Lugano rental market is competitive, especially at the start of each academic semester. USI and SUPSI advise students to begin their search several months before arrival, as managed student residences prioritise exchange students and scholarship holders.
  • Ignoring ancillary costs: Some students focus only on the advertised net rent and overlook ancillary costs (costi aggiuntivi), which can add a meaningful amount to the monthly total in private rentals.
  • Overlooking mandatory health insurance: All residents in Switzerland must take out health insurance (LAMal) within three months of arrival. This is a significant recurring cost that must be included in the overall monthly budget.
  • Start your search early: Begin looking for accommodation at least two to three months before the start of your semester. The Lugano market moves quickly, especially in September and February.
  • Prepare a complete rental dossier: Swiss landlords expect a full application package including a valid ID or passport, your student enrolment confirmation, proof of financial resources (scholarship letter, parental guarantee, or bank statement), and — if you already have a Swiss address — an extract from the debt enforcement register (Betreibungsregisterauszug). Newly arrived students should substitute this with a credit report from their home country.
  • Use official student housing resources: Check the USI Housing Service database (client-alloggi.usi.ch), the SUPSI Student Portal, and the Learn Lugano platform (learn.lugano.ch) for curated listings and managed student residences such as Castalia, CasaStudenti Lugano, and Student Rooms Lugano.
  • Consider co-tenancy (colocation): Sharing a flat with other students is the most cost-effective option. USI's Housing Service manages Facebook pages for both the Lugano and Mendrisio campuses to facilitate co-tenancy and subletting arrangements.
  • Budget for the security deposit: The cauzione can be up to three months' net rent and must be paid into a blocked bank account before you move in. Plan for this upfront cost well in advance.
  • Register with the municipality: Upon signing a lease, you must register your address with the local municipality (Comune) and apply for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) for study purposes. The City of Lugano offers an online registration portal.
  • Take out personal liability insurance: While not legally mandatory in Ticino, RC locatario (personal liability insurance) is strongly recommended and often requested by landlords. Annual premiums are generally low.

Buying property in Italian Switzerland (Ticino) from abroad is a complex process that requires local expertise, language skills, and an in-depth knowledge of the Swiss real estate market. A property hunter acts as your trusted representative on the ground, saving you time and money while avoiding costly mistakes.

  • Local market knowledge: A property hunter knows the Ticino market inside out, including off-market listings that are never publicly advertised.
  • Language barrier: Negotiations and legal documents are often in Italian. Your hunter handles all communications seamlessly.
  • Legal compliance: Switzerland has strict rules for foreign buyers (Lex Koller). Your hunter ensures you comply with all regulations.
  • Time savings: No need to fly back and forth for viewings — your hunter pre-selects and visits properties on your behalf.

Italian Switzerland, or Ticino, presents unique challenges for international buyers that make the support of a local property hunter essential:

  • Restricted access for foreigners: Under the Lex Koller law, non-residents face limitations on purchasing certain types of property. A hunter helps you navigate these restrictions efficiently.
  • Fragmented market: Many of the best properties in Lugano, Locarno, or Ascona are sold discreetly through local networks. Without a hunter, you simply won't hear about them.
  • Cultural and administrative differences: Even though Ticino is part of Switzerland, its Italian-speaking culture and administrative practices differ significantly from other cantons.
  • Distance management: Coordinating visits, notary appointments, and negotiations from another country is extremely difficult without a local expert managing the process for you.

A property hunter in Ticino is fully equipped to manage your entire real estate search remotely, making the process smooth and stress-free regardless of where you live:

  1. Initial briefing: Your hunter starts with a detailed consultation (by video call) to understand your needs, budget, and lifestyle expectations.
  2. Active search: They tap into their professional network, contact agencies, and monitor new listings daily — including exclusive off-market opportunities.
  3. Property visits: Your hunter visits shortlisted properties in person and provides you with detailed reports, photos, and video walkthroughs.
  4. Negotiation: They negotiate the best price and conditions on your behalf, leveraging their local expertise.
  5. Transaction support: From the preliminary contract to the notary signing, your hunter coordinates every step so you only need to travel once — or not at all.

Absolutely. For international buyers, the value delivered by a property hunter in Ticino far exceeds their fees. Here is why:

  • Access to better properties: Hunters uncover off-market deals and exclusive listings that you would never find on your own, often at more competitive prices.
  • Stronger negotiation: A skilled hunter typically negotiates a price reduction that covers their fee — and then some.
  • Avoiding costly mistakes: Without local knowledge, foreign buyers risk overpaying, purchasing in the wrong area, or missing critical legal issues. A hunter protects your investment.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that a trusted professional is managing your search on the ground — while you remain in your home country — is invaluable.
  • Time is money: The hours saved on research, travel, and administration alone justify the investment, especially for busy professionals relocating internationally.
Google
4,8 / 5
★★★★★

How does it work?

1

First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.

2
Quote: If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll receive a personalized quote via Remoters.
3
Mission start: Once approved and paid, the housing search begins.
4
Support: Your home finder assists you through to the lease signing and your arrival.
5
Feedback: Share your review — your satisfaction is our priority !
A couple lying on a bed with their feet on the headboard, sharing a relaxed and tender moment.

We are present around the world!

Remoters continues to grow!
We are recruiting new home finders everywhere, do not hesitate to apply
Carte du monde en trois panneaux avec des marqueurs rouges indiquant des emplacements en Amériques, Europe, Afrique et Asie.I am applying
Logo blanc de Remoters sur fond bleu marine.

Find housing abroad thanks to our network of Home Finders, all over the world.

Remoters
Become a Remoters Property Hunter
Cgu
Privacy policy
Your reviews
Know everything
Real estate market
Who are we?
Press
Contact
Cookies
Cookies
About
Contact us
+33 1 84 60 74 42[email protected]Make an appointment with Remoters Buying real estateReal estate sale