Left bank of Lake Zurich
The new top address
The region on the left bank of Lake Zurich has developed into one of the most sought-after residential locations in Switzerland. Low taxes, impressive lake views and dynamic real estate development make it a real place to live and invest.
Anyone who lives or invests there today is making an active choice – for quality of life, for location, for proximity to the city and nature. The region scores points with its excellent infrastructure: the highway and Zimmerberg tunnel ensure fast connections, while the surrounding area remains quiet and free of aircraft noise.
Market dynamics on the upswing
The real estate market along the left bank of the lake is booming. In municipalities such as Kilchberg and Rüschlikon, the price per square meter for condominiums is already in the CHF 16,000 to 18,000 range, and even higher in particularly sought-after locations. At the same time, places such as Horgen, Wädenswil and Richterswil are benefiting from growing construction activity and rising demand – particularly among young families and international residents.
A key driver: the four municipalities with the lowest tax rates in the district of Horgen – Kilchberg, Rüschlikon, Thalwil and Oberrieden – also have the highest real estate prices. Good taxpayers are attracted by attractive residential locations, which gives the municipalities financial strength and allows them to further expand their infrastructure.
Quality of life with vision
- Generous lake views and quiet locations create an atmosphere of high quality of life.
- The immediate proximity to the city of Zurich combines urban access with opportunities for retreat.
- A wide range of educational opportunities – including prestigious international schools – appeals especially to families with high expectations.
All this makes the left bank of the lake a location with prospects: liveable, solid and on the move.
55%
Increase in price per m² of single-family homes in the last 10 years
48%
Increase in price per m² of owner-occupied apartments in the last 10 years
20'000
CHF per m2 Floor price
Coveted municipalities on the left bank of Lake Zurich
Kilchberg combines a quiet, well-kept residential area with close proximity to the city – Zurich main station can be reached by S-Bahn or car in just a few minutes. Characteristic are the exclusive neighborhoods with lake views, high-quality detached houses, well-kept residential complexes and spacious green areas. The low tax rate, the wide range of leisure activities on offer and the immediate proximity to lake access make Kilchberg particularly attractive to wealthy buyers, international newcomers and discerning families.
Rüschlikon offers an exceptionally high quality of life: sunny hillside locations, lots of greenery, quiet residential areas and direct access to Lake Zurich. The municipality has excellent schools, fast public transport connections to the city and an active club life. The attractive tax rate and high-quality properties make Rüschlikon one of the most sought-after addresses for buyers who want to combine tranquillity, discretion and proximity to the city.
Thalwil is ideal for commuters and families – the train station is one of the best connected in the canton and Zurich city center can be reached in just a few minutes. The municipality offers a variety of residential areas, from quiet hillside locations with lake views to central areas close to the lake. With a population of around 18,500, Thalwil is one of the larger residential areas on the left bank of the lake.
Good schools, numerous sports and leisure facilities and its location directly on the shore make Thalwil a place with a broad target group appeal and strong demand for residential property.
Oberrieden is characterized by its direct location on Lake Zurich, well-kept neighbourhoods and a pleasantly quiet atmosphere. Many properties benefit from views of the water or short distances to the lakeshore. With around 5,400 inhabitants, the municipality is rather small and offers a family environment. The municipality offers fast rail connections to Zurich, solid schools and a manageable environment – perfect for buyers looking for exclusivity and tranquillity without seclusion.
The municipality of Herrliberg offers an excellent mix of tranquillity, views and proximity to the city of Zurich – the city center can be reached in less than 20 minutes. Herrliberg is characterized by elegant villas, spacious gardens and vineyards that extend to the slopes of the Pfannenstiel. In addition to the high quality of life, the town boasts good schools, a lively club life and a wide range of leisure activities in the countryside and on the lake.
Horgen combines urban infrastructure with the serenity of a lakeside community. The S-Bahn takes commuters to Zurich in around 20 minutes, while various districts – from the historic center to modern development areas to the hillside – offer a wide range of residential locations. With a population of around 24,500, Horgen is one of the larger municipalities along the left bank of Lake Zurich. The municipality has a wide range of shopping facilities, good schools and a lively lakeside promenade, which makes it particularly attractive for families and professionals.
Wädenswil combines access to the lake, urban infrastructure and dynamic development. The university facilities bring life to the town, while the residential areas range from single-family home neighborhoods to modern developments. With around 25,700 inhabitants, Wädenswil is the largest municipality on the left bank of the lake.
The train station offers fast connections to Zurich and Zug, and the wide range of schools and leisure facilities make Wädenswil particularly attractive for families and well-connected commuters.
Samstagern is slightly elevated, surrounded by nature and yet well connected by S-Bahn and bus. The town offers plenty of space, quieter neighborhoods and a family-friendly environment with good schools. Buyers who are looking for more space and a location close to nature without losing the connection to Zurich or Zug particularly appreciate Samstagern.
The Au peninsula is one of the most beautiful residential areas on Lake Zurich – lots of water, greenery and a high recreational value. The residential areas consist mainly of well-kept detached houses, small apartment buildings and quiet neighborhoods. Despite the natural surroundings, the S-Bahn can be reached in just a few minutes, making the Au a preferred location for people who want to combine peace, nature and commuter-friendliness.
Wollishofen is a lively district with around 21,800 inhabitants and an area of a good 5.7 km² – large enough to offer diversity, yet manageable in character. The residential areas range from quiet, green streets to sought-after areas directly on the lake, where swimming pools, parks and lakeside paths characterize everyday life. Thanks to good schools, a balanced age structure and the fast connection to Zurich’s main railway station, Wollishofen is particularly attractive for families, commuters and anyone who wants to live in an urban environment without having to compromise on nature and water.
Enge (district 2 of the city of Zurich) has around 11,000 inhabitants on an area of around 1.76 km².
This attractive lakeside district combines stylish old villas and elegant residential buildings with urban infrastructure: the hillside and lakeside locations offer direct access to Lake Zurich, and Enge railroad station ensures fast connections to the city and surrounding area. Thanks to a good range of educational and leisure facilities, combined with a high quality of living and nearby recreational areas, Enge is a sought-after address for discerning buyers who want to combine proximity to the city with a lakeside location.
The residential areas range from charming old town houses and historic half-timbered buildings to well-kept residential areas near the shore and quieter locations with views of the lake and mountains. The S-Bahn and good road connections guarantee quick access to Zurich and the surrounding area – ideal for commuters.
Families in Richterswil appreciate the mixture of nature and leisure activities on the water and in the hills, the direct location on the lake and the wide range of educational and club facilities.
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