Case Study: Relocation of a family from San Francisco to Zurich
A family with two young children relocated from San Francisco to Zurich. Within two months, and entirely remotely, we secured a detached single-family home in Küsnacht – ready for move-in on the day of arrival.
- Mandate
- Relocation & property search from abroad
- Origin
- San Francisco, USA
- Target area
- Küsnacht, right shore of Lake Zurich
- Property
- Detached single-family home (rental)
- Duration
- 2 months to signed lease
Situation
Following a professional opportunity, a family with two young children planned to move from the USA to Zurich. The search perimeter was open, but the requirements regarding school routes, family suitability and commuting distance to the workplace in the city of Zurich were clearly defined.
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CROVES Real Estate was mandated to take over the entire property search and relocation coordination: market analysis, property selection, on-site viewings, application dossier, lease negotiation and support through to move-in day.
Challenge
- A nine-hour time difference between the clients and the Zurich market – application deadlines expired while the family was asleep.
- No local market presence or Swiss rental history, combined with short application timelines for suitable properties.
- Viewings could not be attended in person from the USA.
- No local knowledge to assess micro-location, school district and commuting times.
Approach
- 01
Requirements analysis and perimeter definition
Joint definition of budget, property type, school requirements and commuting times, translated into a precise search perimeter on the right shore of Lake Zurich rather than a broad, inefficient search.
- 02
Pre-selection of on- and off-market properties
Systematic market monitoring and activation of our network. The family was presented only with properties we had inspected on site beforehand.
- 03
Viewings and video calls
We attended every viewing in person and held video calls for a curated shortlist – scheduled around the clients' time zone.
- 04
Application through established contacts
The application dossier was submitted through existing relationships with property managers and owners and complemented by our personal reference and direct communication throughout the application process.
- 05
Negotiation and contract review
Negotiation of the lease agreement ready for signature, including review of terms, service charges and handover arrangements.
- 06
Support through to move-in
Coordination of handover, registrations and utilities, plus referral of a professional interior design firm for the new home.
Result
The family moved into a detached single-family home in Küsnacht on the day they arrived in Zurich – no interim solution, no hotel stay and not a single house-hunting trip from the USA.
- New home secured within two months
- No house-hunting trip from the USA required
- Move-in on the day of arrival in Switzerland
- All communication with property managers and owners handled by us
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Are you planning a move to Zurich?
We would be happy to discuss your situation, your timeline and the possible approach in a personal conversation.