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The Lausanne real estate market in 2025 continues to stand out as one of Switzerland’s most resilient and strategically positioned residential markets. As the capital of Vaud and a key center for international education, finance, and innovation, Lausanne benefits from a steady influx of skilled residents and institutional presence.

The Lausanne Housing Market remains one of the most consistently demanded residential hubs in western Switzerland. Its combination of tenant quality, economic depth, and controlled inventory positions it as a stable option for yield-focused investors.

As of Q1 of 2025, the average residential price in Lausanne exceeds CHF 11,100 per square meter, with premium locations such as Ouchy, Sous-Gare, and Sauvabelin pushing above CHF 12,500/sqm. Price performance has been modest but stable, with apartment values rising 2.0% year-over-year and limited volatility across asset classes.

International buyers—particularly institutional and private Swiss investors—continue to show interest in Lausanne’s long-hold assets, drawn by tenant retention, low vacancy (currently under 1.4%), and regulatory stability. The city’s appeal is further enhanced by its proximity to Lake Geneva, world-renowned universities, and a well-developed public transport system.

In contrast to more volatile European markets, Lausanne offers predictable income generation, supported by professional tenant profiles and an enduring supply-demand imbalance.


Overview of The Lausanne Real Estate Market

The Lausanne Real Estate Market in 2025 reflects a stable yet competitive environment shaped by demographic expansion, regional economic strength, and planning restrictions that limit large-scale development. The city continues to attract both domestic and international attention, particularly from long-term investors seeking capital preservation, income consistency, and tenant stability.

As of Q2 2025, the average property price in Lausanne is approximately CHF 11,460 per square meter, with newer developments and lake-view properties in areas such as Ouchy and Vidy reaching CHF 13,000–CHF 14,500/sqm.

Apartments make up the majority of sales transactions, with strong buyer competition in the 2- to 3-room segment, particularly in well-connected neighborhoods like Sous-Gare and Montchoisi.


Overall, apartment prices have increased by 2.0% year-over-year, while house prices declined slightly by 0.6%—a result of tightening mortgage affordability and a shift in demand toward multi-unit properties with higher yield efficiency. Still, supply remains constrained across all asset types due to zoning limitations and long planning timelines.

Lausanne’s ownership market is primarily Swiss-based, although high-net-worth foreign nationals who meet residency requirements are active in both the premium and mid-market segments. Private investors and Swiss institutional landlords continue to dominate the multi-family asset space, particularly in rental-dominant districts with high tenant turnover.

New construction activity remains cautious. Most new housing comes in the form of small-scale infill or redevelopment projects rather than large residential blocks.

As a result, inventory turnover is slow, keeping pressure on existing stock and encouraging off-market or pre-construction acquisitions.

  • Average price per square meter in Lausanne is CHF 11,460, with high-demand areas exceeding CHF 13,000.
  • Apartment prices are up 2.0% year-over-year, while single-family homes show slight softening due to affordability pressure.
  • Local ownership dominates, but foreign investors participate selectively, especially in lake-adjacent zones.
  • Supply remains structurally low, with most new product limited to urban densification projects.
  • Investment demand favors long-term rentals in centrally located areas with professional tenant bases.

In summary, the Lausanne Housing Market offers a low-volatility, capital-secure environment with strong income continuity, moderate appreciation, and defensive fundamentals—particularly suited for investors with a long-term horizon and a preference for stability over speculation.

Lausanne Real Estate Market


Neighborhood Analysis

Lausanne is composed of distinct residential submarkets, each offering unique pricing dynamics, tenant demographics, and investment appeal. From lakeside luxury enclaves to urban professional districts and family-oriented suburban zones, the city provides a wide spectrum of opportunities for both capital preservation and yield optimization.

Ouchy

Ouchy is Lausanne’s most prestigious neighborhood, situated directly along Lake Geneva’s waterfront. Known for its luxury villas, upscale condominiums, and scenic promenades, Ouchy attracts wealthy residents and international buyers seeking exclusivity and lake views.

The average listing price in Ouchy exceeds CHF 14,000/sqm, with many properties surpassing CHF 2.5M. Rental inventory is limited and premium, appealing to high-end diplomatic and executive tenants. While gross yields are modest, asset values are exceptionally resilient.

Sous-Gare

Located adjacent to Lausanne’s main train station, Sous-Gare is a high-demand area for professionals and commuters. Its mix of modern apartments and early-20th-century buildings appeals to both owner-occupiers and institutional landlords.

Median pricing in Sous-Gare averages CHF 11,800/sqm, with rental units achieving solid returns due to low vacancy and high tenant turnover. This neighborhood combines convenience, architectural appeal, and strong lease velocity.

Chailly

Chailly is a family-friendly neighborhood with access to good schools, parks, and local amenities. It is favored by domestic buyers and long-term renters, making it an attractive location for multi-family investors focused on tenant stability.

Prices in Chailly typically range from CHF 9,200 to CHF 10,000/sqm, depending on proximity to infrastructure and recent renovations. Rental demand is consistent, particularly for 3- and 4-room units.

Sauvabelin

Sauvabelin offers a tranquil, forest-adjacent setting with larger homes and scenic elevation. It appeals to affluent residents seeking privacy without compromising on access to the city core.

Average property values are between CHF 12,000 and CHF 13,000/sqm, with detached villas exceeding CHF 2.8M. Due to its prestige and scarcity, this district favors capital preservation over yield.

Bellevaux

Bellevaux is an emerging area offering relative affordability and redevelopment potential. It draws younger buyers, developers, and yield-seeking investors due to its price positioning and accessibility improvements.

Current prices average CHF 8,700/sqm, with rental yields among the highest in Lausanne at 3.8% to 4.2%, particularly for small-to-medium-sized units. Renovated properties can outperform the market in terms of both rent and resale value.

Neighborhood Median Prices and Price per SqM


Lausanne Rental Market Overview

Lausanne’s rental market in 2025 remains tight, income-stable, and highly competitive. The city’s growing population, large international student base, and concentration of multinational employers ensure strong rental demand across property types.

Low construction volume and strict planning rules have kept supply constrained, resulting in near-full occupancy and predictable income flow for landlords.

As of Q2 of 2025, vacancy rates in Lausanne are below 1.4%, reflecting high absorption in both the mid-tier and premium segments. Core neighborhoods such as Sous-Gare, Montchoisi, and Bellevaux report waitlists for well-located, renovated apartments—particularly those with access to public transport or proximity to EPFL and the University of Lausanne.

Average Monthly Rents by Unit Type (2025)

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment: CHF 1,500 – CHF 2,000

  • 2-Bedroom Apartment: CHF 2,200 – CHF 2,900

  • 3-Bedroom Apartment: CHF 3,100 – CHF 4,200

  • Larger Villas or Duplex Units (Ouchy, Sauvabelin): CHF 5,000 – CHF 6,800


Tenant demand remains diversified, including:

  • Graduate and post-doctoral students attending EPFL and UNIL.
  • Corporate executives stationed in Lausanne or commuting via direct rail to Geneva.
  • Medical and research professionals, particularly near CHUV and biotech clusters.
  • Mid-income families preferring long-term leases in residential areas like Chailly and La Sallaz.

Leases in Lausanne typically follow Swiss rental law, requiring formal notice periods and often subject to indexed rent caps. Annual rent increases must be justified through official cost-based formulas, limiting volatility but providing clarity for long-hold investors.

Gross Yield Estimates by Area

  • Bellevaux / Pontaise: 3.8% – 4.2%

  • Chailly / La Sallaz: 3.3% – 3.6%

  • Sous-Gare / Montchoisi: 3.0% – 3.3%

  • Ouchy / Sauvabelin: 2.6% – 2.9%

In short, Lausanne’s rental market remains fundamentally strong, favoring buy-to-let investors with a mid-to-long-term horizon. Though gross yields are moderate, they are supported by near-zero vacancy, professional tenant profiles, and high lease security, making Lausanne a prime location for stable residential income.

Lausanne Real Estate Market


Factors Influencing the Lausanne Housing Market

The Lausanne Housing Market in 2025 is driven by a mix of economic, regulatory, demographic, and institutional forces. These factors collectively influence pricing, investment strategy, and rental dynamics—making it essential for investors to understand the pressures shaping both short-term performance and long-term resilience.

  1. Strong Academic and Research Ecosystem: Lausanne is home to world-class institutions such as EPFL and the University of Lausanne, drawing thousands of students, researchers, and academic staff. This consistent population inflow creates reliable rental demand for studio and one-bedroom apartments in areas like Ecublens, Chailly, and La Sallaz.

  2. Limited Land and Construction Supply: Geographical constraints and zoning regulations restrict high-density development in Lausanne. With few large plots available for new construction, most additions to housing stock come through urban infill or renovations. This supply ceiling ensures price support across all segments, especially for centrally located assets.

  3. Multinational and Institutional Employment Base: The presence of multinational headquarters, global NGOs, and medical-research institutions creates high-income employment opportunities. This supports both luxury housing demand and premium rental rates—particularly in districts like Sauvabelin and Sous-Gare.

  4. Tenant-Favorable Regulation: Swiss rental law heavily favors tenants, enforcing indexed rent caps, structured lease terminations, and mandatory maintenance standards. While this limits upside rent adjustment, it also ensures low tenant turnover, legal clarity, and predictable income flows.

  5. Regional Infrastructure Upgrades: Ongoing investments in Lausanne’s M2 metro expansion, tram extensions, and cross-canton rail connectivity enhance neighborhood appeal—especially in districts like Malley and Bellevaux. Improved transit accessibility is already reflected in rising rents and capital values.

  6. ESG Retrofitting Pressure: The city’s energy-efficiency goals are influencing the market. Investors are encouraged to renovate older stock to meet sustainability standards, which may result in long-term savings, reduced tenant turnover, and access to cantonal incentives or preferential lending.

  7. Institutional and Cross-Border Capital Flow: Lausanne attracts long-term capital from Swiss pension funds, local banks, and EU-based investors. While international ownership is more limited than in Geneva, it remains a meaningful contributor to transaction volumes in the multifamily and mid-luxury segments.

Lausanne Housing Market Forecast for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the Lausanne Housing Market is expected to maintain its slow-but-steady trajectory of price growth, driven by structural supply limitations and resilient rental demand. Although affordability concerns may temper short-term buyer enthusiasm, the city’s long-term fundamentals remain firmly intact—making it a reliable choice for capital-secure, income-oriented investors.

Property prices in Lausanne are projected to rise by 2.5% to 3.2% over the next 12 months. With the average price currently around CHF 11,460/sqm, forecasted increases would bring median values to between CHF 11,575 and CHF 11,660/sqm by early 2026.

Inventory will remain tight due to the city’s controlled development pipeline and long permitting timelines. With few large residential projects expected to deliver in 2026, competition for centrally located, well-renovated units will remain intense.

Submarkets such as Sous-Gare and Montchoisi will likely see increased buyer activity from domestic and institutional players alike.

The rental market is also forecast to grow moderately. Rents are expected to rise by 2.8% to 4.0%, particularly for 1–3-bedroom apartments in well-connected areas. As long-term leasing continues to dominate, landlords who offer energy-efficient, professionally managed properties will enjoy low turnover and stable cash flow.

Gross yields in emerging districts like Pontaise and Bellevaux may exceed 4%, outperforming the city average.

Vacancy rates are not expected to rise meaningfully. With Lausanne’s economic and academic sectors expanding, demand is set to remain above supply—keeping vacancy levels below 1.5% and reinforcing landlord pricing power.

Demographic and macroeconomic conditions also support investor confidence. Lausanne continues to attract younger professionals, researchers, and expatriate families, particularly in sectors such as biotech, education, and consulting. As financing costs stabilize and energy-retrofit incentives expand, investor entry points may become more attractive in mid-2026.

In summary, Lausanne’s housing market in 2026 is forecast to deliver low-volatility capital growth, steady rent appreciation, and strong occupancy fundamentals. While returns may not be explosive, the city’s risk-adjusted profile remains one of the most attractive in Switzerland for investors seeking security, liquidity, and income continuity.

Lausanne Real Estate Market 1


Is It Worth Buying a Property in Lausanne?

Buying property in Lausanne in 2025–2026 can be a strategically sound decision for investors focused on long-term capital stability, low vacancy risk, and rental income consistency.

While the city is not positioned for speculative appreciation or high-yield leverage plays, it excels as a wealth-preserving, income-generating market within Switzerland’s regulated property landscape.

The core strengths of the Lausanne Housing Market lie in its steady price appreciation, low tenant turnover, and predictable leasing framework.

Gross rental yields typically range from 2.8% to 4.2%, with higher performance achievable in emerging districts such as Bellevaux, Pontaise, and La Sallaz.

Lausanne’s continued appeal is driven by its academic and institutional strength, making it ideal for investors targeting educated, internationally mobile tenants with high lease integrity. In particular, areas near the EPFL, CHUV, and Lausanne’s business districts attract both long-term renters and upwardly mobile professionals who value location and quality housing.

However, entry into the Lausanne market comes at a premium. Prices now average over CHF 11,000 per square meter, and Swiss property acquisition costs—while transparent—can further reduce short-term ROI. Additionally, tenant-friendly laws restrict abrupt rent adjustments or fast lease turnovers, meaning that returns are best measured over a 10–15 year horizon.

In summary, Lausanne is worth buying into—provided the investor’s goal is long-hold, euro-franc diversification, and capital-secure residential income. It is not the fastest-growing market in Switzerland, but it is among the most resilient, transparent, and tenant-driven real estate environments available.

Other Market Forecasts & Overviews

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St. Moritz Real Estate Market Overview & Forecast


FAQ

Are Lausanne property prices expected to rise in 2026?

Yes. Forecasts indicate a price increase of 2.5% to 3.2%, depending on location and asset condition.


What is the average price per square meter in Lausanne in 2025?

The average price is approximately CHF 11,460 per square meter, with premium areas exceeding CHF 13,000/sqm.


Is Lausanne a good place to invest in real estate?

Yes—for investors seeking capital stability, consistent rental income, and low-risk long-term growth.


Which neighborhoods in Lausanne offer the best investment
potential?

Top-performing areas include Bellevaux, La Sallaz, Pontaise, and Sous-Gare, offering attractive yields and tenant demand.


What are the typical rental yields in Lausanne?

Gross yields range from 2.8% to 4.2%, with the highest returns in emerging or redevelopment districts.


Is Lausanne’s rental market regulated?

Yes. Rent increases and lease terminations follow strict Swiss rental law, favoring long-term tenant security.


Can foreigners buy property in Lausanne?

Yes, but non-residents face limitations under Lex Koller. Residency or business registration may be required.

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