What is the current vacancy rate in the Canton of Uri?

The 3-point orientation

The current vacancy rate in the canton of Uri was around 0.64% as of June 1, 2025. This corresponds to a very low vacancy rate and is well below the Swiss average of 1.00%. A total of 142 apartments were vacant in the canton of Uri. The ratio has fallen compared to the previous year, which points to a tense housing situation. Easily accessible apartments are particularly popular in Altdorf, Schattdorf, Flüelen and other everyday locations. Tourist towns such as Andermatt also have their own market rules through holiday apartments, resort development and second home use.

The principle: Uri has a scarce housing market

The canton of Uri is not one of the cantons with a high vacancy rate. On the contrary: With a vacancy rate of around 0.64%, the market is relatively scarce. This means that only a small part of the housing stock was vacant on the reporting date and was offered for rent or sale.

A low vacancy rate is an indication of excess demand or limited supply. For tenant, this can mean that suitable apartments are more difficult to find. For owners, it may indicate solid rentability. For buyers, it shows that the market is not relaxed everywhere, even though Uri sometimes appears more moderate in price compared to Zurich, Zug or Schwyz.

However, it is important that the cantonal quota is only an average. Uri consists of very different sub-markets. The housing market in Altdorf works differently than the one in Andermatt, Erstfeld or a small mountain community.

What does a vacancy rate of 0.64% mean?

A vacancy rate of 0.64% means that less than one in a hundred apartments is vacant and is offered on the market at the same time. That is a low figure. In such a market, tenant have less choice and good apartments can be sold out quickly.

However, the quota does not mean that there are no vacant apartments at all. She only says that the vacancy rate is low in relation to the total housing stock. As of the reporting date, 142 apartments were vacant in the canton of Uri. In absolute terms, this is a small number because Uri is also a small canton with a limited housing stock.

In practice, this means that anyone looking for a rental apartment or a home of their own in Uri should be prepared. Good properties in a good location, at a reasonable price and in a modern condition can quickly disappear from the market.

Uri is below the Swiss average

The vacancy rate across Switzerland was around 1.00% in 2025. At 0.64%, Uri is well below that. This shows that the Uri housing market is tighter than the Swiss average. At the same time, Uri is close to the Central Swiss average, which is also low.

Central Switzerland is generally characterized by housing shortages. Zug, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Lucerne and Uri have scarce markets, limited building land and strong demand in well-connected locations. Although Uri is less expensive than Zug or Schwyz, there is not much on offer here either.

This is important for evaluating the location: Uri is not a classic oversupply market. If you hope for low prices, you will find regional differences, but not automatically a large selection.

Why is the vacancy rate in Uri so low?

There are several reasons for the low vacancy rate in Uri. First, the canton is small. Just a few additional or missing apartments can move the quota. Second, building land is limited in the valley areas. Mountains, traffic axes, natural hazards, agricultural areas and shelters restrict settlement development.

Thirdly, demand is concentrated in a few communities suitable for everyday use. Altdorf, Schattdorf, Flüelen, Bürglen and Erstfeld are more relevant to many households than more remote mountain communities. Demand is stable where infrastructure, public transport, schools and work routes are right.

Fourthly, the scarcity of Central Switzerland is involved. If housing in Lucerne, Schwyz or Nidwalden is expensive and scarce, neighboring or well-connected regions will also be scrutinized more closely. As a result, Uri does not remain isolated.

Altdorf: The most important everyday market

Altdorf is the central housing and labor market in the canton of Uri. The municipality offers administration, schools, shopping, cultural, public transport, proximity to the motorway and regional jobs. Altdorf is therefore the first choice for many households.

A low cantonal vacancy rate has a particularly strong impact on Altdorf. Good rental apartments, modern condominiums or family-friendly houses are not available indefinitely. Anyone who wants to live centrally competes with other local households, newcomers and commuters.

Altdorf is interesting for investors because rentability can generally be better than in peripheral communities. Nevertheless, the microlocation, condition, energy efficiency and rental price must be right. Even in a scarce market, not every apartment automatically becomes attractive.

Schattdorf and Bürglen: Proximity to Altdorf counts

Schattdorf and Bürglen benefit from the proximity to Altdorf. They offer village structure, family locations, easy accessibility and sometimes more residential peace. For households who work in Altdorf or want to use infrastructure, these municipalities can be interesting alternatives.

In such locations, the vacancy rate is often also low when the property and price are right. Apartments or houses with good tanning, reasonable connections, parking and a family-friendly environment are particularly in demand.

The advantage over Altdorf may be a slightly different price level or more quality of living. The disadvantage may be greater dependence on cars, buses or specific microlocations. Anyone who buys or rents should test the actual routes in everyday life.

Erstfeld: More offers possible, but highly dependent on the location

Erstfeld has its own market logic. The community is located in the Reuss Valley, on the Gotthard axis and with a railway tradition. In terms of price, Erstfeld may be more accessible than Altdorf or Andermatt. At the same time, traffic, railways, noise, older buildings and reduced demand can differentiate the market.

A low cantonal vacancy rate does not automatically mean that every property in Erstfeld is in high demand. Good apartments in a good location can be rented out quickly. Older or unfavorably located properties, on the other hand, need a realistic pricing and renovation strategy.

Erstfeld can be interesting for buyers with a limited budget. However, it is important to check the condition, energy, noise, microlocation and resale potential.

Andermatt: Special market with holiday and resort logic

Andermatt should not be judged like a normal rental housing market. The town is heavily influenced by tourism, resort development, holiday homes, second homes and international demand. This influences both purchase prices and forms of use.

Vacancy statistics only cover vacant apartments under certain conditions. Vacation and second homes are not automatically counted as vacant apartments if they are not offered for long-term rent or sale. The perceived occupancy rate of a holiday resort can therefore have a different effect than the official vacancy rate.

For local housing seekers, Andermatt can be tense despite existing holiday properties. Many apartments are not available for normal long-term rent or are priced in another segment. This is a typical problem for premium tourist destinations.

Flüelen and lake communities: Location quality makes the difference

Flüelen benefits from Lake Uri, the train station, proximity to Altdorf and the connection to Gotthard and Central Switzerland. Good locations with lake or mountain views can be very popular. At the same time, there are areas close to traffic or exposed to noise that must be differentiated.

With a low vacancy rate, apartments in good locations are particularly scarce. This can support rental prices and increase buying interest. At the same time, the specific address remains decisive. Lake view, sun, noise, access, flood risks and condition have a strong influence on residential value.

For buyers and tenant, Flüelen can be attractive, but you shouldn't just look at the community. The microlocation is decisive.

Smaller mountain communities: Low vacancy does not always mean high demand

In smaller municipalities such as Göschenen, Wassen, Gurtnellen, Silenen, Sisikon, Isenthal or Unterschächen, the market situation can be very different. Some properties are inexpensive, others are difficult to rent out or are in great need of renovation. The small market means that few apartments can significantly influence the statistics.

A low cantonal quota therefore does not automatically mean that every mountain community is tense. In small markets, concrete property quality, accessibility, winter suitability, noise, natural hazards and local demand are particularly important.

Such communities may be of interest to long-term owner-occupiers. They are more demanding for investors because the number of tenants and buyers is smaller.

What the quota means for tenant

For tenant, a vacancy rate of 0.64% means that the search is not always easy. Good apartments in Altdorf, Schattdorf, Flüelen or other easily accessible locations can be rented out quickly. Anyone who has certain criteria, such as a balcony, lift, parking, modern kitchen or number of rooms suitable for families, needs patience.

At the same time, Uri is not a big city market. The offer is smaller, the selection less wide, and many apartments are known locally or through personal contacts. If you're looking, you should use multiple channels and react quickly.

Flexibility is particularly important. Anyone who only accepts a very specific community or size of apartment has fewer chances. Anyone who also checks nearby communities is more likely to find suitable offers.

What the quota means for buyers

For buyers, the low vacancy rate shows that living space in Uri is generally scarce. This can support prices in good locations, particularly for apartments and houses with little need for renovation. At the same time, buying markets and rental markets are not the same.

A low vacancy rate does not automatically mean that every property is expensive or good. Older houses, remote properties or properties with a high need for renovation must continue to be carefully assessed. Demand is concentrated on well-preserved objects suitable for everyday use.

Buyers should therefore not only look at the vacancy rate. Location, condition, energy, financing, renovation costs and resale potential are decisive.

What the quota means for landlord

For landlord, a low vacancy rate is generally positive. It shows that the market is not oversupplied. Apartments in a good location and in good condition are more likely to be rented out than in cantons with high vacancy rates.

However, renting is not automatically risk-free. In a small market, too high rent, poor condition or unfavorable situation can quickly lead to a longer marketing period. Older apartments in particular must be correctly positioned in terms of price and quality.

If you want to rent out, you should pay attention to modern equipment, energy efficiency, transparent service charges and realistic rental prices. A good apartment may be required in Uri, but quality remains crucial.

Vacancy and new construction: What follows

A low vacancy rate can be a signal that additional living space is needed. At the same time, new construction in Uri is not easy everywhere. Building land, topography, natural hazards, development, construction costs and municipal planning limit the supply.

New construction projects must also match demand. We are looking for not only expensive apartments, but also affordable rental apartments, age-appropriate apartments, family-friendly floor plans and well-located properties. If construction is done past demand, local vacancy can arise despite a low rate.

This is a challenge for municipalities: They must provide living space without overwhelming the landscape, infrastructure and townscape.

Why the ratio fell compared to 2024

The vacancy rate in Uri fell compared to the previous year. This indicates that vacant apartments were absorbed more quickly or that fewer empty new apartments came onto the market. Population development, household formation and regional migration can also contribute to this.

Absolute changes can have a strong effect on small cantons. If the number of empty apartments falls by a few dozen, the quota changes visibly. That's why you shouldn't read Uri like a big canton where individual projects are less important.

However, the trend is clear: The housing market is scarce rather than relaxed. This is relevant for searchers, and for owners as well.

How Uri stands in comparison to Central Switzerland

At 0.64%, Uri is close to the Central Swiss average. Some neighboring cantons are even scarcer, such as Zug or Schwyz. Lucerne is slightly higher, but also below the Swiss average. The entire region is therefore characterized by rather low vacancy rates.

This explains why Uri can also focus more. Anyone who cannot find a suitable or affordable apartment in Lucerne, Zug, Schwyz or Nidwalden is sometimes examining other regions. Uri benefits from the quality of the landscape, the Gotthard axis, Altdorf as the center and, in some cases, a more moderate price level.

This regional integration is important for the real estate market. Uri may be smaller, but not isolated.

What you have to consider when interpreting

The vacancy rate is an important indicator, but it doesn't say everything. It only shows vacant apartments offered on the market on the reporting date. It does not show how many apartments are being used as holiday homes, how many have been re-let internally or how good the quality of the vacant apartments is.

Distribution by number of rooms is also important. It may be that small apartments are empty while family apartments are scarce. Or that older properties are available while modern apartments are missing. That is why you always have to look deeper than the total number of cantons.

For real estate decisions, the quota is a starting point, but not a complete market analysis.

Conclusion: Uri currently has a low vacancy rate and a tight housing market

The answer to the question What is the current vacancy rate in the Canton of Uri? states: As of June 1, 2025, it was around 0.64%. A total of 142 apartments were vacant. This puts Uri well below the Swiss average and close to the low level of Central Switzerland.

For tenant, this means that good apartments are not available in abundance. For buyers, the quota shows that living space remains scarce in locations suitable for everyday use. For landlord, the starting position is generally favourable, provided that the location, condition and rental price are right.

Nonetheless, Uri must be viewed locally. Altdorf, Schattdorf, Flüelen, Erstfeld, Andermatt and smaller mountain communities have different market logics. The vacancy rate is low, but the specific property is decisive: Location, condition, price, use and demand remain more important than a cantonal average.

Glossary on the vacancy rate in the Canton of Uri

• Vacancy rate: Share of vacant apartments offered on the market as a proportion of the total housing stock.
• Empty apartment: Apartment that is vacant on the closing date and is offered for rent or sale.
• cut-off date: Fixed survey date; in the case of vacant housing census, this is June 1.
• microlocation: Specific location quality, such as train station, sun, views, noise, access and proximity to the center.
• market liquidity: Likelihood of being able to rent out a property quickly or sell it at a fair market price.