Buying an Apartment or House on Lake Zurich: A Rewarding Investment
Purchasing an apartment by Lake Zurich is one of the most sought‑after real estate investments in Switzerland. The region impresses with its unique combination of natural beauty, high quality of life and excellent infrastructure — whether as a primary residence, holiday home or capital investment.
The residential areas surrounding the 42‑kilometre long, just over 3‑kilometre wide Lake Zurich are among the most attractive living locations in Switzerland. To the north, they are shaped by the dynamism of the big city; on the sunny eastern shore you will benefit from an exclusive ambience; on the rising western shore from superb transport links; and on the Upper Lake, from countryside and nature. And throughout, you have the choice of exclusive owner‑occupied apartments that perfectly match your wishes and expectations.
Lake Zurich — a highly desirable place to live
| Region | Municipalities | Features | Approximate Tax Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| City of Zurich | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Zurich City | Urban centre, culture & jobs, perfect connections | 119 % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gold Coast (right lakeside) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Meilen with the municipalities Zollikon, Zumikon, Küsnacht, Erlenbach, Herrliberg, Meilen, Uetikon am See, Männedorf and Stäfa | Sunny locations, favourable tax conditions, exclusive living quality | 72 - 79 % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silver Coast (left lakeside) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kilchberg, Rüschlikon, Thalwil, Oberrieden, Horgen, Wädenswil and Richterswil | Up‑and‑coming, good prices & ideal transport connections | 72 - 103 % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Upper Lake | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schmerikon, Rapperswil-Jona | Peaceful, lots of nature, attractive tax rates and more affordable properties | 74% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ausserschwyz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wollerau, Bäch, Freienbach and Hurden, Pfäffikon, Altendorf, Lachen and Nuolen (Wangen municipality) | High quality of life, tax favourable, ideal transport connections | 74% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
With a population of 450,000, Zurich is by far the largest city in Switzerland — an urban centre rich in centuries‑old history, flourishing economy, significant universities, vibrant cultural life and countless sporting and leisure opportunities.
Once dominated by industrial and commercial operations, the quality of life here has since risen dramatically and is now on par with other top locations around the lake.
This region is rightly called the “Gold Coast” — the gently rising hill ridge of the Pfannenstiel offers particularly sun‑loving residential locations with enchanting views over the lake and the Alps.
The sunny northern shore of the Upper Lake belongs to the canton of St. Gallen. A home on the Upper Lake offers exclusivity and a slower pace of life, while maintaining perfect transport links to Zurich (just around 40 km away) and the financial centre Zug.
Your Partner: Engel & Völkers
Engel & Völkers Switzerland is your go‑to contact for buying real estate in the country. With us, clients find comprehensive information about the region, an extensive selection of exclusive apartments, and above all detailed advice on acquiring your property. If you would like to realise your dream of owning an apartment on Lake Zurich: please contact us directly or set up a search alert on the Engel & Völkers property search, so that we can inform you about new and exclusive offers.
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