I didn't see the headline, but I doubt that this is the case in Geneva. Perhaps in Switzerland or Suisse Romande.

I somehow doubt it, as the interest reference rate is 2.25 %, it has been there since 31.03.2012. The basis has gone down 0.05 % though, but a too small effect to change the interest reference rate of 2.25 %.

http://www.bwo.admin.ch/themen/mietrecht/00282/00285/index.html?lang=de

http://www.tdg.ch/geneve/actu-genevoise/150-locataires-exigent-fortes-baisses-loyers/story/10409902javascript:mctmp(0);

According to the article, these rent reductions --  some by 20% and others up to 30%-- concerned mostly 'social' housing -- HLM -- concerned mostly apartments located on Promenade de l'Europe in Charmilles.

Geneva is not in Switzerland? lol.

Well at least something for them. 

At the risk of feeding a troll, I'll assume that you didn't read my post properly. 

The housing market in Switzerland is not the same as the housing market in Geneva. Geneva's house and rental prices are inflated because of low supply and high demand. 

Someone was telling me recently that the rent has decreased. Apparently they have not only built more apartments but also, in spite of the current economic downturn having a minimal impact in Switzerland in comparison to other places, many expats working for international companies have been laid off and have left Switzerland - leaving their homes vacant. Not sure if this is a rumour or not, but for the first time in a long time, there seem to be more housing options available than there have been in the last 5 years. 

Well, there are still more people migrating to Geneva than people leaving Geneva. 

Most people I know who are leaving are Swiss nationals who choose to expatriate to find a decent flat or go to canton Vaud for the same reason. 

It is true that some companies - we of course think of Merck Serono - have laid off part of or their entire staff but there are also new companies moving their offices in Geneva even though the trend has slowed down.

Honestly, I have been looking for a flat for years in my home town and never found one despite a "standard" Swiss salary and I am not an exception. 

If you want a flat in Geneva: win the Euromillion!!!!

its so true... even in france the prices are exploding right now... just my feeeling... and luck to have an old contract.

Cheers & good luck...

Thanks for clarifying that. 

The rents for houses & villas have gone down, for sure, up to 20% between summer 2012 and 1st trimester 2013. For sure.

During the same 6-9 months, rents for flats have NOT gone down. But may be it's starting now (?).