Our home finder in Swiss Alps will help you find your ideal home

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Secure your new home safely from abroad

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Why choose a home finder ?

Reliability of listings
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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)
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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%
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Anne, or another of our hunters in Swiss Alps, will take care of your search

Swiss Alps 600 CHF 1,800 CHF

The total monthly occupancy cost for a long-term rental in the Swiss Alps region (primarily Canton Valais) is made up of several components regulated by Swiss tenancy law (Swiss Code of Obligations, CO).

  • Net rent (loyer net / Nettomiete): The base rent agreed in the lease, excluding all ancillary costs. For a studio or room in Sion or Sierre, net rents typically start from around CHF 640–800 CHF/mois for a studio, rising to CHF 1,800–2,800 CHF/mois for a larger apartment (source: ImmoScout24, Immobilier.ch, 2024).
  • Ancillary costs / Nebenkosten (frais accessoires): Charged on top of net rent, these cover heating, hot water, electricity in common areas, snow removal, and building maintenance. Under Art. 257b CO, only costs explicitly listed in the lease may be charged. They are typically billed as a monthly advance (acompte) with an annual reconciliation, or as a flat rate (forfait). Expect CHF 100–200 CHF/mois for a studio (source: Comparis.ch, 2024).
  • Security deposit (dépôt de garantie / Mietkaution): Under Art. 257e CO, the deposit is capped at three months' net rent for residential leases. It must be held in a blocked bank account (compte bloqué) in the tenant's name — never paid in cash or into the landlord's private account (source: ch.ch; integrationinch.ch, 2024).
  • Agency fees: In Switzerland, agency fees for finding a rental are generally borne by the landlord, not the tenant. Tenants are not legally required to pay a finder's fee (source: iamexpat.ch).
  • Home/liability insurance (assurance RC ménage): Personal liability insurance (RC) is strongly recommended and often required by landlords. In Canton Vaud (neighbouring the Alps), it is mandatory for tenants. Annual premiums typically range from CHF 100–200 CHF/an for basic coverage. Contents insurance (assurance ménage) is separate and optional (source: firstcaution.ch, 2024).
  • Local taxes: There is no specific local rental tax charged to tenants in Valais. Tenants register with the commune upon arrival.

Swiss Alps student rental in brief: The main student towns are Sion and Sierre (Canton of Valais), home to HES-SO Valais-Wallis and EPFL Valais Wallis. Shared flat rooms start from around 600 CHF/mois; studios from 640 CHF/mois. Swiss law caps the security deposit at 3 months' net rent (blocked bank account). A complete rental dossier is essential. Start your search early — student housing fills up fast at semester start.

Finding long-term student accommodation in the Swiss Alps requires preparation, local knowledge, and a solid rental dossier. The region's main university towns — Sion and Sierre in the Canton of Valais — offer the widest range of rental options, from affordable rooms in shared flats to self-contained studios, all within reach of HES-SO Valais-Wallis and EPFL Valais Wallis campuses. Unlike major Swiss cities such as Zurich or Geneva, the Valais rental market offers comparatively accessible price points, though demand near campuses remains high at the start of each academic semester. Understanding Swiss lease terms, ancillary cost structures, and deposit rules under the Swiss Code of Obligations will help you budget accurately and avoid common pitfalls when renting in the Alps.

The Swiss Alps — primarily the Canton of Valais — offer international students a unique study environment combining world-class higher education with Alpine living. Key institutions include HES-SO Valais-Wallis (campuses in Sion and Sierre), EPFL Valais Wallis (Sion), and hospitality schools such as Les Roches in Bluche. Long-term rental options range from shared flats (colocation) starting at around 600 CHF/mois in Sierre to self-contained studios from 640 CHF/mois in Sion. Swiss tenancy law (Code of Obligations) caps the security deposit at three months' net rent, which must be held in a blocked bank account. A complete rental application dossier — including proof of financial resources, a debt-collection extract, and a residence permit copy — is essential to secure accommodation in this competitive market.

Finding long-term student accommodation in the Swiss Alps requires preparation, local knowledge, and a solid rental dossier. The region's main university towns — Sion and Sierre in the Canton of Valais — offer the widest range of rental options, from affordable rooms in shared flats to self-contained studios, all within reach of HES-SO Valais-Wallis and EPFL Valais Wallis campuses. Unlike major Swiss cities such as Zurich or Geneva, the Valais rental market offers comparatively accessible price points, though demand near campuses remains high at the start of each academic semester. Understanding Swiss lease terms, ancillary cost structures, and deposit rules under the Swiss Code of Obligations will help you budget accurately and avoid common pitfalls when renting in the Alps.

A student rental budget in the Swiss Alps typically includes net rent, monthly ancillary costs (heating, hot water, building services), a refundable security deposit of up to three months' rent, and personal liability insurance (RC ménage) often required by landlords.

Rental prices in the Swiss Alps vary considerably depending on location, property type, and proximity to ski resorts or university campuses. In the Canton of Valais — home to the main higher-education institutions of the region — a studio in Sion or Sierre starts from around 640–800 CHF/mois (net rent), while a 2.5-room apartment typically ranges from 1,250–1,850 CHF/mois (source: ImmoScout24, Immobilier.ch, 2024). Shared flats (colocation) remain the most cost-effective solution, with private rooms available from 600 CHF/mois in smaller Alpine towns. Students should budget an additional CHF 100–200 CHF/mois for ancillary costs (Nebenkosten), and set aside up to three months' net rent for the security deposit required at lease signing. Applying through your institution's housing office — such as the HES-SO Valais-Wallis accommodation service or the EPFL Valais Wallis housing team — can help you access discounted or priority-listed accommodation.

International students searching for long-term rentals in the Swiss Alps frequently make the following mistakes:

  • Starting the search too late: The rental market in Valais, particularly near HES-SO Valais-Wallis campuses in Sion and Sierre, is competitive. EPFL Valais Wallis explicitly advises students to begin their housing search as early as possible, as student halls fill up very quickly (source: EPFL Housing, 2024).
  • Targeting remote villages: EPFL Valais Wallis warns that surrounding villages without a main train station are not convenient for commuting, as bus services can stop running around 8pm (source: EPFL, 2024). Prioritise Sion, Sierre, or Martigny for reliable public transport access.
  • Submitting an incomplete rental dossier: Swiss landlords require a thorough application file including proof of income or financial guarantee, a debt-collection extract (extrait du registre des poursuites), a copy of your residence permit or passport, and sometimes a motivation letter. Missing documents are a leading cause of rejected applications (source: primerelocation.ch, 2025).
  • Paying the deposit incorrectly: Under Art. 257e of the Swiss Code of Obligations, the security deposit must be placed in a blocked bank account (compte bloqué) in the tenant's name — never paid in cash or into a private account (source: integrationinch.ch, 2024).
  • Overlooking ancillary costs: Listings often show net rent only. Always ask for the total charge (loyer charges comprises) to avoid budget surprises.
  • Apply through your institution first: Both HES-SO Valais-Wallis and EPFL Valais Wallis have dedicated housing offices that list student-friendly rentals and dormitory rooms — contact them as soon as you receive your admission letter.
  • Prepare a complete rental dossier: Swiss landlords expect a thorough application file including a motivation letter, proof of enrolment, financial guarantee or proof of funds, a copy of your passport or residence permit, and a debt-collection extract (extrait du registre des poursuites, available for CHF 18 in Geneva canton — check your local canton's procedure).
  • Focus on well-connected towns: Rent in Sion, Sierre, or Martigny rather than isolated Alpine villages; EPFL Valais Wallis advises that bus services in surrounding villages can stop around 8pm (source: EPFL, 2024).
  • Budget for ancillary costs: Always ask for the total monthly charge (loyer charges comprises / Bruttomiete) — ancillary costs (Nebenkosten) of CHF 100–200 CHF/mois are typically added on top of the net rent.
  • Secure your deposit correctly: Under Art. 257e of the Swiss Code of Obligations, your security deposit (up to 3 months' net rent) must be placed in a blocked bank account in your name — never pay it in cash.
  • Get liability insurance (RC ménage): Many landlords require proof of personal liability insurance before handing over the keys. Annual premiums are low and policies are easy to obtain from Swiss insurers.
  • Use Swiss rental platforms: Search on ImmoScout24, Immobilier.ch, and Anibis for long-term rentals in Valais; for shared flats, WG-Zimmer.ch and Flatfox are widely used by students.

Buying property in the Swiss Alps 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 local representative, handling every step of the search on your behalf.

Here are the key reasons why a property hunter is essential when searching from abroad:

  • Local market knowledge: Property hunters have an intimate understanding of the Swiss Alps real estate market, including off-market listings that are never publicly advertised.
  • Time-saving: Instead of flying back and forth for viewings, your hunter filters properties based on your exact criteria and only presents you with the best matches.
  • Legal and administrative support: Swiss property law can be particularly restrictive for foreign buyers (Lex Koller regulations). A property hunter guides you through these legal requirements to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Negotiation power: With a local expert negotiating on your behalf, you are more likely to secure the best price and conditions.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that a dedicated professional is managing your search remotely gives you full confidence throughout the buying process.

Absolutely. One of the most significant advantages of working with a property hunter in the Swiss Alps is their access to off-market properties — listings that are never published on public real estate portals.

In the Swiss Alps, a large portion of premium chalets, apartments, and land plots are sold discreetly through private networks. Property hunters build strong relationships with local notaries, developers, private sellers, and other agents over years of practice, giving them privileged access to these exclusive opportunities.

When you search for a property from abroad using only online platforms, you are only seeing a fraction of what is actually available. A property hunter ensures you have access to the full market, including:

  • Private sales between individuals
  • Pre-launch new development projects
  • Properties sold before they are officially listed
  • Exclusive mandates held by local agencies

This insider access is particularly valuable in highly sought-after resorts like Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana, or Gstaad, where demand far exceeds supply and the best properties are snapped up quickly.

Switzerland has some of the most stringent property purchase regulations for foreign buyers in Europe, primarily governed by the Lex Koller law. This legislation restricts non-residents from purchasing certain types of real estate in Switzerland, and the rules can vary significantly depending on the canton and the type of property.

A property hunter with expertise in the Swiss Alps will help you understand and navigate these regulations from the very beginning of your search, ensuring you only consider properties you are legally eligible to purchase.

Key areas where a property hunter provides invaluable legal guidance include:

  • Lex Koller compliance: Identifying which properties are available to foreign buyers and which are restricted.
  • Quota systems: In some Alpine resorts, there are annual quotas for foreign property purchases. Your hunter monitors these quotas and advises on timing.
  • Cantonal regulations: Each Swiss canton has its own rules regarding property ownership, renovation, and rental. A local expert ensures full compliance.
  • Notary coordination: In Switzerland, all property transactions must go through a notary. Your property hunter coordinates with the notary on your behalf, even when you are abroad.
  • Tax implications: Your hunter can connect you with local tax advisors to understand the fiscal impact of your purchase.

Without this expert guidance, foreign buyers risk wasting time and money on properties they cannot legally acquire.

Working with a property hunter on Remoters to find your dream chalet in the Swiss Alps from abroad is a streamlined and fully remote-friendly process. Here is how it typically unfolds:

  1. Initial briefing (remote): You connect with your property hunter via video call to define your search criteria — budget, preferred resort, size, style, intended use (personal use, rental investment, etc.).
  2. Mandate agreement: You sign a search mandate that formalises the hunter's mission and outlines their fees, which are typically paid only upon successful acquisition.
  3. Active search: Your hunter immediately begins scouring the market — both listed and off-market properties — using their local network and expertise.
  4. Property selection and reporting: The hunter sends you detailed reports, photos, videos, and virtual tours of pre-selected properties that match your criteria, saving you from unnecessary travel.
  5. Virtual or in-person viewings: For shortlisted properties, your hunter can conduct viewings on your behalf via live video call, or arrange a focused visit trip for you to see only the most relevant options.
  6. Offer and negotiation: Once you identify your ideal property, the hunter negotiates the best possible price and conditions with the seller.
  7. Due diligence and closing: Your hunter coordinates all administrative, legal, and financial steps through to the signing of the deed at the notary's office.

Throughout the entire process, you benefit from a dedicated local expert who represents solely your interests — not the seller's — ensuring a smooth and secure transaction from anywhere in the world.

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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 !
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