HouseScoutApartment viewing service in Zurich
Viewings in Zurich are set by the property manager, often at short notice and during working hours. If you're still abroad or can't take time off, a HouseScout scout views the flat for you, asks your questions and sends you an honest report the same day.
Why viewings are the bottleneck in Zurich
Zurich has very few empty flats, and good ones attract dozens of applicants within hours. Property managers usually invite the first people who ask, sometimes to a group viewing, and rarely offer a second slot. Missing the viewing usually means missing the flat.
For people moving to Zurich from abroad or from another city, travelling to every viewing isn't possible. And listing photos rarely show what matters: street noise, the real state of the kitchen and bathroom, light, damp or what the neighbourhood is like.
How a Scout Visit works
Send us the listing link, your preferred date and your questions for the property manager. We attend the viewing, check the flat carefully, ask your questions and record everything in photos and video.
The same day you get a written report with what we saw and an honest recommendation: is it worth applying, and what should you watch out for? You can decide straight away and apply among the first if the flat is right.
A Scout Visit costs CHF 100 per property, with no success fee. It's available in Zurich and Geneva.
What we check on site
The condition of the kitchen, bathroom, floors and windows; light and orientation; noise, smells and signs of damp; laundry room and cellar; public transport and the surroundings. Plus anything you ask us to check, such as service charges, pets, the move-in date or whether the current tenant is looking for a replacement.
Questions worth asking the property manager
How much are the service charges, and are they a flat fee or paid on account? When was the flat last renovated? Is there a washing machine in the flat or a shared laundry room with a schedule? Are pets allowed? Is there parking or bike storage? How many applications have they had, and when will they decide?
On a Scout Visit we ask these for you and note the answers in the report, so you can compare flats on the same basis even if you haven't seen any of them yourself.
Red flags to watch for
Be careful if someone asks for money before a viewing, says they're abroad and can't show the flat, or offers a rent far below similar flats. A genuine property manager never asks for payment before you have a lease. Seeing the flat in person, yourself or through us, is the best protection against rental scams.
Be ready to apply
To act quickly after a good viewing, keep your application file ready: the application form, passport or ID and residence permit, payslips or your employment contract, and a recent debt register extract (Betreibungsregisterauszug). You apply directly to the property manager.
If you'd rather hand over the whole search, our Full Search covers the shortlist, viewings and applications. And Radar tells you about new matching flats within minutes, so you can book viewings early.
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
How much does an apartment viewing service cost in Zurich?
A HouseScout Scout Visit costs CHF 100 per property, with no success fee. You get photos, a video and a written report with a recommendation the same day.
Can I rent a flat in Zurich without seeing it myself?
Many newcomers do. Our report shows you the flat as it really is so you can make an informed decision. Whether to apply is always your choice.
How soon can you attend a viewing?
Send us the listing as early as possible. We work around the property manager's appointment and confirm the viewing once it's set.
Do you apply for the flat on my behalf?
With a Scout Visit you apply directly to the property manager. With a Full Search we prepare up to three application files for you.
Do you also do viewings in Geneva?
Yes, Scout Visits are available in Zurich and Geneva.