Hi,
I'm starting work in my company's HQ in Zurich as of Feb, 2010 so i should look for somewhere to live (company is in Fluntern area)...
Colleagues/acquaintances have informally promised to help me but i guess i can't rely on that... Do you think it is at all feasible to look for something 'remotely' from Budapest or i have no chance until i'm there personally? Are there perhaps any agencies who look for apartments for foreigners? I can of course search homegate but i wonder if it's worth doing from the distance...

I would appreciate your views on this.Thanks very much,
Andrea

PS.: if u happen to know about an apartment i could move into as of Feb let me know

it's good to get an idea of the properties etc. i did something similar with homegate and arrange 6 viewings for the day i flew in. unfortunately, none of the flats were any good.

I take it your company is not offering you a relocation package? The relocation agencies can be rather costly, so unless someone else is picking up the tab I would suggest (if it's feasible) trying to find a sublet on homegate for a few months. Then you can have a roof over your head (and for hopefully a reasonable rate, not a corporate apt rate) while also having the time to check out the neighborhoods and what's out there.

My advice is get all the paperwork scanned in a .pdf and attach it to any application you make. The Swiss Landlord loves his paperwork to be in order, and you'll stand out from the crowd if you have a cover letter introducing yourself; a reference from your employer telling him you are due to arrive on a certain date and your job is secure (usually you'd need a copy of your permit but you won't have that yet) and it would be beneficial to have some sort of criminal and financial record check to assure Herr Schweizer you're not a shady character.

Seriously consider doing this; the competition for affordable and decent housing in the Fluntern area is tight. Or ask the above poster nicely if her house is still available: it would be a good way to meet people and get under the skin of the place a bit.

Good luck in your move and welcome to the Forum

Thanks very much!

Hi,

did you see my add? I am looking for somebody to take over my flat as of Feb 2010!

jacquelien