Apartment Renovation in Geneva: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting

When I first arrived in Geneva, I was focused on settling in, figuring out the public transport, and trying to learn how to pronounce “röstis” correctly. Renovating an apartment was the last thing on my mind. But once I started feeling more at home and we decided to invest in a property, renovation became part of the journey — and what a journey it was!

If you’re moving to Geneva and considering buying or renovating an apartment, this article is for you. I’ll walk you through what I learned, what I would do differently, and how you can approach a renovation project in Geneva with a bit more peace of mind.

Why Renovate in Geneva?

For many expats, buying property here isn’t just about creating a home — it’s also a smart financial move. Geneva’s real estate market is stable, and property values tend to hold over time. One thing I learned is that if you renovate, you can often include the renovation costs in your mortgage, and these costs can also be tax-deductible. So it’s not just an emotional investment — it can make sense financially too.

That said, you do need patience. The timeline from signing the papers to actually moving in can easily stretch to 9–10 months, especially if your renovation happens over the summer months (when many companies and contractors take long holidays). Planning ahead is essential.

What Does a Renovation Cost?

Renovation prices vary, of course, depending on what you’re doing — but generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from CHF 1,500 to 3,000 per square meter. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to redo, especially if you’re moving plumbing or adding new electrical lines.

My advice? Create a detailed budget, then add a buffer of 10–15% for unexpected costs. There are always surprises.

Architects: Worth It

If I could give you one tip from the start, it’s this: hire an architect. They handle the coordination of permits, contractors, schedules, and even help you with sourcing materials. In our first renovation, I didn’t work with one from the beginning, and I ended up overwhelmed with decisions I wasn’t equipped to make. For our second project, we brought in an architect from day one — and it was a game changer.

Yes, it’s an added cost (usually around 10% of the total project), but the peace of mind is worth every franc.

Permits and Paperwork

Geneva has strict building regulations, and if you’re doing any structural changes — like breaking walls, changing windows, or adding plumbing — you’ll likely need a permit. This is another reason why having a good architect or contractor is helpful; they know how to navigate the system and will file everything for you.

If you’re just repainting or replacing fixtures without changing the layout, you might not need a permit — but it’s always better to check beforehand.

Living Through a Renovation?

If you’re thinking of living in your apartment during the renovation, I recommend thinking twice. Even small projects come with dust, noise, and daily disruptions. We stayed elsewhere while the major work was happening, and I’m so glad we did. Geneva has great short-term rental options, so factor that into your budget and timeline if needed.

What I Wish I’d Known

• Plan early: Don’t wait until you’ve signed everything to start designing. Have your renovation plan ready before closing, so you can begin immediately.
  

• Choose your battles: Not everything needs to be top-of-the-line. Invest in the rooms that matter most to you.
  

• Ask questions: No question is too small. If you don’t understand what a contractor is suggesting, speak up. It’s your home!
  

• Be flexible: Timelines shift, materials get delayed, and surprises pop up behind walls. Try to go with the flow — easier said than done, I know.
  

• Celebrate the small wins: Seeing the tiles go in or the paint go up can feel like a milestone. It helps to keep you motivated.

Making Your Space Your Own

At the end of the day, a renovation is more than just walls and paint. It’s about creating a space that reflects your taste, your routines, and the life you’re building here. Geneva can feel a little formal at first, but once you have your own corner of the city — your home — everything begins to feel more grounded.

If you’re moving to Geneva and considering renovating, know that you’re not alone. It’s a big task, yes, but one that brings so much satisfaction. I hope my experience can help you feel more confident as you take that step. And if you ever need tips on architects, suppliers, or where to find the best bathroom tiles — you know where to find me.

Welcome to Geneva, and happy renovating.
— Diana