Housing shortage Switzerland, 9 tactics to still get a WG room, with a 48 hour plan

Switzerland's housing shortage is not new, but it continues to worsen. The Federal Housing Office expects increasing pressure because construction is not keeping up with population growth. At the same time, advertised rents keep rising. The Homegate Rent Index shows an increase of over two percent for new listings in 2025.

For you, this means more applicants competing for fewer rooms. Cities with strong immigration and university locations are particularly affected. Aarau, Wohlen and St. Gallen are among the regions where shared rooms are assigned quickly.

To succeed in this market, you do not need the perfect CV. You need a system. Fast response, complete documents and professional behavior at viewings make the difference. This applies especially to people who just moved to Switzerland or are looking for a shared flat for the first time.

In the following sections, I will show you how to significantly improve your chances with nine tactics, a 48 hour plan and the right templates.

1. Prepare your dossier before you start searching

If you are still collecting documents at the first viewing, you lose. Prepare everything in advance as one PDF.

2. Set up alerts on multiple platforms

New listings disappear fast. Use WG Zimmer, Ronorp, Flatfox and local groups in parallel.

3. Respond within 30 minutes

The first message often wins. Write short, personal and with a specific reference to the listing.

4. Write a short, honest introduction

No long CVs. Three sentences: who you are, what you do, why you are looking.

5. Show flexibility with scheduling

The more time slots you offer, the more likely you get an invitation.

6. Ask questions at the viewing

Showing interest means asking. Those who only nod are forgotten.

7. Send your dossier right after the viewing

Do not wait. Send a message with thanks and attachment within two hours.

8. Follow up after 24 to 48 hours

If no reply comes, ask once in a factual tone. Not more often.

9. Pursue multiple options at the same time

Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Multiple applications increase your chances.

A shared room is often assigned within a few days. Here is a realistic 48 hour plan that works.

Hour 0 to 2: Find listing and respond immediately

As soon as you see a suitable listing, write a short message. No long thinking. Reference to the listing, short introduction, suggested time.

Hour 2 to 12: Confirm appointment and prepare

If you get an invitation, confirm immediately. Read the listing again, note your questions and check the location on the map.

Hour 12 to 24: Viewing

Arrive on time, be open, ask questions. Show genuine interest without being pushy.

Hour 24 to 26: Send thank you plus dossier

Within two hours of the viewing, send a short message with thanks and your ready one PDF dossier.

Hour 26 to 48: Wait or follow up

If no reply comes, ask once in a factual tone after about 24 hours. Then wait.

After 48 hours: Decision or move on

If no acceptance comes by then, focus on other options. Do not cling to one listing.

A good WG dossier is not a novel. It is a compact PDF that contains everything the shared flat or landlord needs, and nothing that is unnecessary.

Order of documents:

01_CoverSheet.pdf

02_ID.pdf

03_DebtRegisterExtract.pdf

04_ProofOfIncome.pdf

05_Reference_optional.pdf

How to build it:

1. Create a short cover sheet with your name, contact and two to three sentences about yourself
2. Scan your ID clearly
3. Get a current debt register extract, ideally not older than three months
4. Add pay slips or an employment contract, for students an enrollment confirmation
5. A reference from a previous landlord is optional but helpful

File name for the finished PDF:

Firstname_Lastname_WG_Application.pdf

You can send this one PDF directly after every viewing. No individual files, no follow up questions about missing documents.

A viewing is a short interview, not just for you, but also for the flatmates. Here is what to say and ask.

5 things you can say:

1. Thanks for taking the time, I am happy to see the room.
2. I work as [job] and am usually out during the day.
3. On weekends I like being at home, but sometimes I am away.
4. I am easygoing about cleaning and sharing common spaces.
5. If you have questions, I am happy to answer now or later by message.

5 questions you should ask:

1. How have you organized things so far, like cleaning or shopping?
2. How often are you home together in the evenings?
3. Is there anything that bothered you about previous flatmates?
4. When would be the earliest possible move in date?
5. How does the rental contract work, directly with the landlord or through you?

With these sentences and questions, you show interest without talking too much. You come across as prepared, open and easygoing.

After the viewing, the follow up often decides. Here are two messages that work without being awkward.

Message 1: Within 2 to 6 hours after the viewing

---

Subject: Thanks for the viewing, [Street or WG name]

Hi [Name],

thanks again for the viewing today. I liked the room and the flat. I could definitely see myself moving in.

Attached you will find my application dossier with all documents. If you have questions, feel free to reach out.

Best regards

[Your name]

---

Message 2: After 24 to 48 hours if no reply

---

Subject: Quick follow up on WG [Street or WG name]

Hi [Name],

I wanted to check if you have made a decision yet or if there is anything else I should submit. I am still interested and flexible on the move in date.

Best regards

[Your name]

---

You do not need more than these two messages. If there is still no reply after that, it is time to move on.

Aarau

Aarau is a compact city with good connections. Shared rooms near the train station are especially popular. Competition is high, but the short distances make quick viewings possible. Many rooms are assigned through local networks, not just large platforms.

Tip: If you are already in Aarau, use that as an advantage. Quick availability for viewings counts a lot here.

At Bovita in Aarau you can find furnished rooms without a complicated application. Transparent, fast and without hidden fees.

Wohlen

Wohlen is quieter than Aarau but popular with commuters. Rents are slightly lower, but demand is steady. Listings often appear on smaller portals or in local groups.

Tip: Flexibility on the move in date is often the deciding factor here.

St. Gallen

St. Gallen has regular turnover in shared rooms due to the university. At the start of the semester, competition is highest. Those who search early and react fast have better chances.

Tip: Personal contact matters more here than a perfect dossier. Come across as likeable and uncomplicated.

At Bovita in St. Gallen we offer furnished rooms for an easy start.