5 mistakes to avoid when looking for housing as a cross-border worker

Finding the ideal accommodation as a Geneva cross-border worker can prove to be a real obstacle course. Between the specificities of the Franco-Swiss real estate market and the traps set for newcomers, many make costly mistakes. At La Villa Coliving, we support cross-border workers daily in their housing search and have identified five recurring errors that are essential to avoid.

Underestimating search timeframes

One of the most common mistakes is thinking that a few weeks will suffice to find the perfect accommodation. The reality of the cross-border market is quite different. With demand being particularly strong in areas close to Geneva, it generally takes between two and four months to find housing that matches your criteria and budget. This situation is explained by the attractiveness of Swiss salaries, which generates fierce competition for available properties.

Anticipating this duration allows you to approach your search with serenity and avoid making hasty decisions under time pressure. Starting your search well before your desired move-in date will give you the advantage of being able to compare offers and negotiate under better conditions.

Falling into real estate scam traps

The tight cross-border housing market unfortunately attracts its share of scammers who take advantage of prospective tenants' distress. The most frequent scams include fake listings with stolen photos, requests for wire transfers before viewing, or alleged foreign owners unable to show the property personally.

To protect yourself, always require a physical visit of the accommodation before any financial commitment. Be wary of abnormally low prices compared to the market and owners who refuse direct phone contact. The golden rule remains never to transfer money before having signed a proper lease and received the keys.

Neglecting financial aspects of deposits and guarantees

Deposit arrangements often represent a source of confusion and disagreement between tenants and landlords. In France, the security deposit legally cannot exceed one month's rent excluding charges for an unfurnished property. However, some landlords try to demand higher amounts or additional guarantees.

It's crucial to understand the conditions for returning this deposit and to meticulously document the property's condition when moving in. A detailed contradictory inventory will protect you against potential abusive deductions when you leave. Don't hesitate to photograph each room and report any defect noticed.

Undervaluing the importance of location and transportation

The geographical error can quickly transform your daily life into a logistical nightmare. Many cross-border workers focus solely on rent price without considering transportation costs and constraints. Housing far from public transport routes or main roads leading to Geneva can generate considerable fuel costs and exhausting commute times.

Carefully studying bus schedules, connection frequency, and alternatives in case of strikes or incidents is an integral part of your reflection. Areas like Annemasse, where our Le Lodge residence is located, offer for example an excellent compromise between Geneva accessibility and French quality of life.

Ignoring the difference between all-inclusive and separate charges

Managing rental charges can quickly become an administrative and financial headache. Opting for an all-inclusive formula presents many often underestimated advantages. Beyond the management simplicity with a single monthly payment, this approach offers perfect budget predictability and avoids unpleasant surprises from charge adjustments.

At La Villa Coliving, our formula at 1380 CHF per month includes not only rent, but also all charges, high-speed internet, and even furniture. This pricing transparency allows our residents to focus fully on their professional careers without worrying about housing administrative aspects.

A solution designed for cross-border workers

Drawing from our experience with cross-border workers, La Villa Coliving has developed an approach that naturally avoids these classic pitfalls. Our 12-month leases offer the stability sought by professionals, while our all-inclusive formula eliminates financial uncertainties. Our residences are strategically positioned to facilitate commutes to Geneva, and our transparent selection process protects you from scams.

Choosing coliving means opting for a modern housing solution that addresses the specific challenges of today's cross-border workers. An approach that transforms housing constraints into opportunities to create lasting connections with a community of professionals sharing the same aspirations.