HouseScoutFinding an apartment in Zurich Seefeld
Seefeld, in Kreis 8 (Riesbach), sits on the east shore of Lake Zurich, a short walk from the Opera House and the old town. Its lakeside parks, elegant old buildings and village feel make it one of the most sought-after addresses in the city, and flats rarely stay on the market for long.
What Seefeld is like
Seefeld stretches from Bellevue and the Opera House along the lake towards Tiefenbrunnen. Tree-lined streets, period buildings, cafés, bakeries and small shops give it a calm, residential character, while the city centre is minutes away. The lakeside parks, the Zürichhorn and the lake baths are on the doorstep.
Many buildings are older, which means charming flats with high ceilings and wooden floors, but often also shared laundry rooms, no lift and smaller kitchens. Newer buildings exist but are less common.
Getting around
Stadelhofen station, at the edge of Seefeld, has frequent S-Bahn trains, and Tiefenbrunnen station serves the southern end of the district. Trams run along Seefeldstrasse and towards Bellevue, so the centre, the university area and Zurich main station are easy to reach. Many residents walk or cycle along the lake.
Competing for a flat in Seefeld
Seefeld is popular with professionals, families and people relocating to Zurich, and demand is consistently high. Good flats are often taken after the first viewing, and property managers favour applicants with a complete file and a quick decision.
Be clear about your priorities: lake views and top floors attract the most competition. Being flexible on floor, view or exact street widens your options considerably. Neighbouring areas of Kreis 7 (Hottingen) and Kreis 8 further from the lake share much of the character.
Have your application file ready, including a recent debt register extract, so you can apply on the day you view.
A practical plan for Seefeld
Decide your must-haves before you start: in older Seefeld buildings, a lift, a washing machine in the flat or a modern kitchen are not a given, so knowing which ones you can live without widens your options. Prepare your application file as a single PDF, respond to new listings the same day and ask for a viewing in your first message.
At the viewing, check the light, the condition of the windows and heating, and the noise from Seefeldstrasse or the tram if the flat faces the street. Apply the same evening if the flat is right; in Seefeld, waiting a day is often too long.
How HouseScout Radar helps
Radar emails you new flats that fit your brief, the best within minutes of HouseScout finding them, each with a price check against similar flats so you can see whether the rent is fair. Choose "Seefeld, Riesbach (Kreis 8)" as your area and see how many flats matched in the last 14 days before you pay.
If you can't make a viewing, a Scout Visit (CHF 100) sends a scout with photos, a video and a written report the same day. The Full Search (from CHF 390) runs the whole search for you.
Our three services
- Radar: every new flat that fits your brief, by email. The best within minutes, with a price check. CHF 39 for 15 days or CHF 59 for 30 days.
- Scout Visit: we view a flat for you and send photos, a video and a written report the same day. CHF 100 per property.
- Full Search: we run your whole search, from shortlist to signing. CHF 390 to start, success fee only if you sign a lease.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Seefeld so popular?
Its position on Lake Zurich, close to the city centre, with parks, period buildings and a calm, village-like character.
Which station serves Seefeld?
Stadelhofen at the edge of the district and Tiefenbrunnen at its southern end, both with S-Bahn trains, plus trams along Seefeldstrasse.
Is Seefeld part of Kreis 8?
Yes. Seefeld belongs to Riesbach, Zurich's Kreis 8. In Radar you choose "Seefeld, Riesbach (Kreis 8)".
How much does Radar cost?
CHF 39 for 15 days or CHF 59 for 30 days, no subscription.
What documents do I need to apply?
Usually the application form, passport or ID and residence permit, an employment contract or recent payslips, and a recent debt register extract (Betreibungsregisterauszug).