Zurich

As of May 2026, Zurich, Lucerne, Winterthur have 1,633 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 18% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Zurich generates CHF33K per year. High-performing properties earn CHF74K/year, while low-performing properties earn CHF12K/year. The massive revenue gap between tiers suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific asset positioning, as total market supply contracts while revenue per unit climbs.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Zurich. Average annual revenue is CHF33K with 46% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CHF74K/year. The 18% supply reduction against rising revenue indicates a tighter market where incumbent operators capture greater value despite moderate occupancy levels.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Zurich is 46%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CHF196, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CHF59 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Zurich, with annual revenue of CHF65K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Zurich market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Zurich area. Zurich: Strict. Permits required, primary residence rule enforced, max 90 days/year for non-primary homes. Active enforcement with fines and inspections. Lucerne: Moderate. Registration required, some cantonal restrictions on conversions. Moderate enforcement, tourist demand creates gray area. Winterthur: Moderate. Follows cantonal rules, registration needed, primary residence preferred. Less aggressive enforcement than Zurich but compliance expected. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Zurich Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 18% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 9%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply. Such dynamics suggest a market transition toward higher pricing power for existing hosts as competitive saturation eases.

Launch around June, 2-3 months before peak fall season (September peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -78% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (March-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Zurich listings include: Kitchen (97%), Heating (86%), Tv (77%), Washing Machine (74%), Parking (52%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Bbq, Tv, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 41% more (CHF62K/year vs CHF44K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Zurich over the last 12 months: May: CHF2K, June: CHF2K, July: CHF2K, August: CHF2K, September: CHF2K, October: CHF2K, November: CHF2K, December: CHF2K, January: CHF1K, February: CHF1K, March: CHF2K, April: CHF2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Zurich is CHF196, up 28% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CHF153/night, 2-bedroom properties average CHF254/night, 3-bedroom properties average CHF386/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CHF510/night. Rates peak in September and are lowest in February.

Guests in Zurich book an average of 29 days in advance, down 25% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 27 days, 2-bedroom: 33 days, 3-bedroom: 34 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Zurich Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 18%, revenue per listing increased 9%, occupancy fell 2%, average nightly rates increased 28%, and lead time decreased 25%. This compression in booking windows combined with higher rates signals a shift toward more spontaneous, premium-priced demand.

In Zurich, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Sunday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 8% higher occupancy than weekdays.