Hello everyone!

I applied to 8 houses in the past 2 weeks, and still haven't heard from any of them. How long should I wait before moving on and applying to new apartments? Do they usually take more than a few days (3-4) days to reply? I'd really appreciate any help! Thanks

Since housing is so tough in Zürich, you have to assume each application will be rejected until one isn't. There is no numbers game that you can play.

Thanks a lot. Do you know how long usually they take to accept you as a tenant? I just want to have an idea, if it is 1-3 days or 2 weeks.

It depends. It can be a few days or a few weeks. Don't wait for anyone, keep visiting and applying.

my experience is that they are quite fast within a few days. Just call them and express your interest that way as well then you ll get a concrete answer.
when you go viewing apartment, ask for the name of the person who is in charge at the agency, then you can direct your call to them.

Usually 1-2 weeks after you apply depending how many applications they get. Just contact them after a few days in a very polite manner to ask about the status, you have nothing to lose and sometimes you may even get their attention for being enthusiastic and following up.

It is like looking for a job. You keep applying until you got a contract in your pocket.

Several weeks had elapsed and I had written off my applications when next thing - bang! - I got positive responses (i.e. more than one).

If after viewing the apartment and you are genuinely interested, write an email to the decision maker thanking them for showing you around, explaining why you are keen on the apartment and why you are the best candidate for the job err sorry apartment.

Apart form showing interest, it is also just basic good manners. My impression is that the Swiss are incredibly polite and appreciate it's reciprocity.

From my experience - 2-3 working days. Personally If I have not received any message within 5 working days after applyiing I don't expect to be selected.
I doubt there will be dramatic differences with very well deserved apartments with lots of applications. Because I doubt rental agencies even go through the full list. Just pick 10/20/whatver amount of candidates and select from them.

I'd be super interested to know some 'insider information' on how the selection process actually happens in Switzerland, especially Zurich.