Choosing the right commercial property is one of the most important decisions a growing business can make. Whether an entrepreneur is opening a first office, a retailer is searching for a high-visibility storefront, or an established company is expanding into a larger facility, the location and quality of business premises can influence daily operations, employee satisfaction,, and long-term costs. Working with a company based in Switzerland that specialises in commercial real estate can help businesses understand the local market, compare suitable properties and connect with the people responsible for available spaces.
Switzerland offers a diverse commercial property environment. Its major cities, regional business centres and industrial areas support businesses with very different requirements.
A technology startup may need flexible office space near transport connections, while a logistics company may prioritise vehicle access, loading areas and storage capacity.
Retail businesses face another set of considerations, including customer accessibility, permitted use and the relationship between rent and expected sales.
Finding the right premises therefore requires more than searching for an attractive address.
Businesses need reliable property information, clear budget expectations, practical comparisons and a thorough understanding of contractual responsibilities.
Digital commercial property platforms have made the initial search process easier by bringing listings and relevant information into a central location.
Swiss PropTech companies such as maison.work focus specifically on connecting businesses with commercial rental opportunities.
However, using an online marketplace does not eliminate the need for viewings, legal review, financial planning or confirmation of permitted business activities.
This guide explores seven benefits of working with a specialised Swiss commercial property platform and explains how entrepreneurs, tenants and landlords can approach the market more effectively.
What Does a Company Based in Switzerland Offer Businesses?
A company based in Switzerland may operate in almost any industry, including technology, finance, manufacturing, professional services or real estate.
When the company specialises in commercial property, its value lies in understanding the business premises market and providing tools or services that connect landlords with prospective tenants.
Commercial property platforms typically organise rental opportunities by location, type, size,, and other relevant characteristics.
They can help companies identify potential spaces and communicate with the advertisers responsible for those properties.
Understanding the Swiss Commercial Property Market
Commercial real estate includes properties intended for business activities rather than ordinary residential living.
Examples include offices, shops, medical practices, coworking facilities, workshops, industrial buildings and warehouses.
Each category has different operational requirements.
An office may need reliable public transport, meeting facilities and suitable internet connectivity.
A warehouse may require loading doors, appropriate floor capacity and sufficient access for delivery vehicles.
The correct property depends on the activity taking place inside it.
Why Specialisation Matters
A general property website may combine residential and commercial listings.
A specialised commercial marketplace focuses on business premises.
This can make it easier for users to compare relevant spaces without repeatedly filtering out apartments and houses.
For landlords, commercial specialisation also creates an opportunity to reach users actively seeking business premises.
What Is PropTech?
PropTech refers to technology developed for property-related activities.
This can include online marketplaces, digital marketing systems, property management software, virtual viewing tools and data analysis applications.
PropTech is not a guarantee of better property outcomes.
Its practical value depends on the accuracy of the information, the quality of the software and the ability of users to make informed decisions.
1. A Company Based in Switzerland Can Provide Local Commercial Market Knowledge
Local knowledge is important when searching for business premises.
Switzerland contains several business regions with different property markets, transport connections and economic characteristics.
Understanding these differences helps companies identify locations suited to their actual requirements.
Zurich and the Surrounding Region
Zurich is an important business centre for finance, technology, professional services and other industries.
Companies considering the area may evaluate the city centre, surrounding districts and nearby municipalities.
A central office may offer convenient access to clients and public transport.
A location outside the centre may provide a different balance of rent, space and accessibility.
The right choice depends on the business model.
Geneva and Lausanne
The Lake Geneva region includes international organisations, professional services, technology companies and other commercial activities.
Businesses searching here may need to consider language, location and proximity to relevant clients or institutions.
A regional search should evaluate practical operating needs rather than relying on the city’s reputation alone.
Basel and Northwestern Switzerland
Basel and its surrounding area support a range of commercial activities, including life sciences, logistics and professional services.
Depending on the industry, a company may require specialised laboratories, office accommodation or industrial premises.
These property types cannot be assessed using the same criteria.
Bern and Regional Business Centres
Bern and smaller Swiss business centres also offer commercial property opportunities.
Some companies benefit from locations that provide easier regional access or suit a specific customer base.
A suitable location is not necessarily the most expensive or most prominent one.
Understanding Local Requirements
Swiss cantons and municipalities may differ in planning requirements, administrative procedur,,es and applicable local rules.
Businesses should verify whether the proposed use is permitted in the selected premises.
A property advertisement alone cannot establish that every intended activity is authorised.
Local Knowledge Still Requires Verification
A Swiss-based platform can help users identify properties and understand the market.
However, final decisions should rely on verified property details, relevant authorities and appropriate professional advice.
2. Specialised Commercial Property Platforms Make Searching More Efficient
Finding business premises can involve reviewing dozens of listings.
When information is scattered across multiple websites, the process becomes difficult to organise.
A dedicated commercial property platform can provide a more focused starting point.
Searching by Location
Location is often the first filter.
Businesses may search by city, postal code,, or region.
The objective is to identify areas that support employees, customers and operations.
For a retail business, customer accessibility may be central.
For a logistics company, transport routes may matter more.
Comparing Property Types
A suitable search tool should distinguish between office accommodation, retail premises, industrial buildings and other business spaces.
These categories represent different uses.
Someone searching for a medical practice should not automatically assume an ordinary office is legally and technically suitable.
Reviewing Space Requirements
Floor area is another important factor.
However, the advertised number of square metres does not always explain how effectively the space can be used.
A business should consider layout, circulation, structural elements and the difference between usable and chargeable area.
Understanding Rental Information
Swiss commercial property advertisements may state rent per month or per square metre per year.
Users need to understand the measurement before comparing prices.
An annual price per square metre can be converted into an approximate monthly base rent, but additional costs may apply.
Saving Suitable Properties
Shortlisting helps users compare options without repeatedly searching from the beginning.
It also creates a more organised basis for discussion with colleagues or advisers.
Contacting Advertisers
Once a suitable listing is identified, a prospective tenant can contact the responsible landlord, broker or property manager.
A marketplace may facilitate this communication without becoming a party to the rental contract.
This distinction is important when evaluating the platform’s responsibilities.
3. Digital Marketplaces Support Different Commercial Property Needs
A company searching for a new business location should begin by defining the activities that will take place there.
Different commercial spaces are designed for different purposes.
Office Space for Startups
A startup may need a small office with predictable costs and room for limited growth.
Important considerations can include transport, internet connectivity, meeting facilities,, and the ability to adjust occupancy over time.
The most suitable office is not necessarily the largest one the company can afford.
Offices for Established Businesses
An established company may prioritise a layout that supports departments, meetings, collaboration and client visits.
Businesses should consider how their teams actually work.
A space designed for daily attendance may differ from an office used primarily for periodic meetings.
Coworking and Shared Offices
Coworking spaces can provide flexible working arrangements for individuals and smaller teams.
Some offer meeting rooms or shared amenities.
However, facilities, contracts, privacy and access arrangements vary between operators.
A company should check whether the space supports confidential work and other operational needs.
Retail Premises
Retail property decisions require attention to customer movement, visibility, access and surrounding activity.
A shop may be attractive but unsuitable if the proposed use is restricted or the fit-out costs arehighe.
Location should be evaluated alongside financial feasibility.
Medical and Professional Practices
Certain practices may need specialised plumbing, accessibility, privacy arrangements or other technical features.
Businesses should verify the requirements for their profession and the specific premises.
Warehouses and Logistics Facilities
Storage and distribution businesses often require loading facilities, vehicle access, floor loading capacity and suitable building height.
The location of major roads and delivery routes may influence operating costs.
Industrial and Production Spaces
Manufacturing and industrial premises may involve additional requirements relating to utilities, ventilation, noise, fire protection and permitted operations.
These need technical review.
An online property search is an initial step, not an engineering assessment.
4. Swiss PropTech Helps Landlords Reach More Relevant Prospective Tenants
Commercial property marketplaces serve both tenants and landlords.
Property owners and managers often want to reduce vacancies and communicate available premises to businesses that are actively searching.
A focused digital platform can help support that marketing process.
Commercial-Specific Listings
A property listed on a specialised commercial platform is presented in an environment intended for business property searches.
This may help landlords reach a more relevant audience than a broad marketplace.
However, actual enquiry quality and leasing results depend on the property, price, market conditions, and advertising effectiveness.
Presenting Property Details Clearly
A commercial advertisement should communicate the information users need for initial evaluation.
Important details may include location, area, rent, available date, intended use,, and relevant facilities.
High-quality photographs and accurate floor plans can also be helpful.
Reducing Unnecessary Enquiries
Clear information allows prospective tenants to determine whether a property appears suitable before making contact.
For example, describing the available floor area and permitted activities may reduce enquiries from businesses with incompatible requirements.
Managing Several Vacancies
Professional landlords and property managers may advertise multiple units.
A digital system can make it easier to maintain a consistent marketing process.
The available management features depend on the platform.
Supporting Software Integration
Some PropTech marketplaces connect with property management or customer relationship management systems.
This can reduce repeated manual data entry when listings are managed across several channels.
Integration does not automatically ensure perfect data accuracy.
Property managers remain responsible for reviewing their advertised information.
Tracking Marketing Activity
Digital marketing systems may provide information about listing performance and enquiries.
These insights can help managers review which properties attract attention.
However, views and enquiries are not equivalent to completed leases.
Improving Property Presentation
Accurate property information, effective photographs and a realistic rental price are often more useful than exaggerated advertising claims.
The objective is to help suitable tenants understand the opportunity.
5. A Company Based in Switzerland Can Help Businesses Plan Rental Costs More Carefully
Commercial property costs go beyond the advertised rent.
Businesses should evaluate the complete financial commitment before signing a lease.
Understanding Rent per Square Metre
Swiss listings frequently express rent in Swiss francs per square metre per year.
For example, a hypothetical office measuring 150 square metres with a quoted base rent of CHF 300 per square metre annually would have an annual base rent of CHF 45,000.
That equals CHF 3,750 per month before additional charges.
This is an illustrative calculation, not an actual market quote.
Including Additional Charges
A commercial lease may include charges for heating, common areas, building services or other agreed expenses.
The relevant costs depend on the contract.
Tenants should confirm which charges are included in the quoted rent.
Planning Fit-Out Costs
An inexpensive empty unit may need considerable work before occupation.
Office partitions, lighting, flooring, data infrastructure, ventilation and other improvements can create significant expenses.
The tenant should establish who pays for these alterations.
Budgeting for Deposits
Commercial landlords may require a rental security deposit.
Under Article 257e of the Swiss Code of Obligations, cash or securities provided as rental security for commercial premises are subject to specific deposit-account rules.
Unlike residential leases, commercial rental deposits do not have the same statutory three-month cap.
Businesses should review the actual security requirements and seek appropriate advice.
Considering Contract Duration
A lease should support the company’s operational plans.
A long commitment may provide continuity but reduce flexibility.
A shorter commitment may be preferable for some businesses, depending on the conditions offered.
Comparing Total Occupancy Costs
A good comparison should include base rent, additional charges, utilities, fit-out, deposits, and relocation expenses.
Businesses should also consider accessibility and potential operational costs.
The lowest advertised rent is not necessarily the lowest overall cost.
6. Online Property Services Can Support Faster Business Expansion Decisions
Businesses entering a new market often need to assess premises before committing to substantial expenditure.
An organised property search can help them identify realistic options.
Starting With Business Requirements
Before searching, define the intended location, floor area, budg,,et and building requirements.
These criteria prevent the process from becoming dominated by attractive but unsuitable listings.
Building a Property Shortlist
A shortlist should contain several realistic options.
Each property can be assessed against the same criteria.
This supports a more objective comparison.
Arranging Viewings
Photographs and floor plans are useful, but they do not show every aspect of a building.
An on-site viewing can reveal noise, natural light, accessibility, condition and the relationship between the premises and surrounding area.
Reviewing Operational Suitability
A property may appear suitable but require extensive changes.
For example, an office intended for a medical practice may need additional plumbing or accessibility improvements.
Such requirements should be investigated before signing.
Confirming Availability
Commercial property availability can change.
A listing may remain visible while negotiations are taking place or after a unit has been reserved.
Users should verify current availability with the responsible advertiser.
Managing Internal Decisions
An expansion decision may involve management, finance, human resources and operations teams.
Clear property comparisons and documented requirements can make internal approval easier.
Avoiding Unsupported Speed Promises
A digital marketplace can simplify discovery, but it cannot guarantee that every search will lead to a lease within a particular number of days.
The timeline depends on available properties, negotiations, inspections and required approvals.
7. Swiss Commercial Property Technology Creates Opportunities for Better Collaboration
Commercial property transactions involve several participants.
A tenant may communicate with an agent, landlord, property manager, lawyer, architect and contractor before moving into new premises.
Digital tools can help organise parts of this process.
Clearer Communication
Online enquiries allow tenants to express interest and ask initial questions.
The advertiser can respond with information about availability, costs and viewing arrangements.
More Consistent Property Information
Structured listings make it easier to compare different properties.
However, users should check important details directly before relying on them.
Supporting Professional Property Managers
Professional landlords may need to coordinate internal marketing workflows across teams.
A suitable digital platform can be one part of that process.
Helping Small Businesses
Startups and SMEs may not have dedicated property departments.
Accessible commercial listings can help business owners conduct initial research independently.
Supporting International Businesses
Companies moving into Switzerland may be unfamiliar with local terminology and rental practices.
A platform with relevant commercial listings provides a useful starting point.
Nevertheless, international companies should obtain professional advice on business setup, leasing and any applicable permits.
Better Marketing Transparency
Published prices and clearly defined advertising packages can help landlords compare their marketing options.
Actual value depends on exposure, enquiry quality and eventual leasing outcomes.
Maintaining Human Responsibility
Technology can assist with communication and discovery.
Landlords and tenants remain responsible for their commercial decisions and legal commitments.
maison.work: A Swiss Company Focused on Commercial Real Estate
maison.work AG is a Zurich-based company operating a digital marketplace for commercial rental properties in Switzerland.
The company is registered at Hohlstrasse 188, 8004 Zurich.
According to Swiss company-register information, its business registration dates to July 2019.
Its corporate structure changed from a limited liability company to a company limited by shares in October 2025.
Its public website focuses on connecting businesses searching for premises with landlords and other advertisers.
What Does maison.work Offer?
The platform specialises in commercial property rather than residential housing.
Its marketplace includes offices, retail spaces, coworking premises, industrial facilities, logistics properties and other business accommodation.
The homepage allows users to search using location and property-type criteria.
Business Search Features
The current homepage advertises standard property filters and an AI Search option.
Users can explore listed premises and contact the relevant advertisers.
A listing’s suitability must still be verified directly.
Saving Listings
The platform allows signed-in users to save properties they are interested in.
This can help businesses manage a shortlist during an extended search.
Search Notifications
The website also describes search subscriptions intended to notify users about newly advertised properties matching their preferences.
Some website pages describe this feature as available, while an older tenant information page states that it was being developed for 2026.
Users should verify current account availability rather than assuming every advertised feature is active.
Direct Advertiser Contact
maison.work describes itself as an intermediary marketplace.
The company does not ordinarily become a party to the lease between a tenant and landlord.
Prospective tenants communicate with the responsible advertiser to arrange viewings and discuss the premises.
Property Listing Verification
The platform’s terms state that listings are checked when first advertised.
However, the advertiser remains responsible for the accuracy of the property information, and later listing modifications are not necessarily rechecked.
A verification indicator should therefore not replace independent due diligence.
Who Founded maison.work?
The company’s public team page identifies three co-founders.
Remo Stahl
Remo Stahl is listed as Co-Founder and CEO, responsible for product, development and design.
Dominic Frei
Dominic Frei is listed as Co-Founder and COO, covering sales, marketing and operations.
Marc Schwery
Marc Schwery is listed as Co-Founder and CFO, responsible for finance, compliance and human resources.
The wider company team combines technology, commercial property and business development expertise.
The company also describes an advisory board with experience in commercial, industrial and logistics real estate.
These details are based on the company’s published team information.
maison.work Services for Commercial Property Owners
Landlords and property managers can use maison.work to advertise vacant business premises.
The company offers individual listings and subscription packages for advertisers with larger property portfolios.
Individual Listings
The current English pricing page advertises a single listing for CHF 29 per month.
It states that individual advertisements can be cancelled on a monthly basis.
Starter Package
The published Starter package costs CHF 179 per month and includes up to ten listings.
Business Package
The Business package is advertised at CHF 359 per month for up to thirty listings.
Expert Package
The Expert package is listed at CHF 719 per month for up to one hundred listings.
Additional Marketing Features
The company’s pricing page describes package features such as branding within listings, data analysis, invoicing or credit-card payment, and software integration.
It also advertises listing distribution to Comparis and selected third-party platforms.
The available features should be checked for the specific package.
Pricing Changes
These prices are taken from the current English pricing page.
Some other pages on the website display different amounts, so prospective advertisers should confirm the applicable price and terms before purchasing.
maison.work Business Space Search Service
The company offers an additional service for businesses that want more assistance identifying suitable premises.
This differs from browsing the marketplace independently.
Initial Consultation
The search service begins with an assessment of the customer’s location, size, budget and other requirements.
The company’s published description includes a thirty-minute consultation.
Active Property Search
The service searches for potential premises based on those requirements.
Unlike an ordinary platform search alert, it can include options beyond the maison.work marketplace.
Property Recommendations
The company advertises two sets of property proposals during the service period.
At the end, users receive a PDF presentation summarising selected options.
Advertised Price
The published service price is CHF 699 for thirty days.
This is separate from the ordinary marketplace search.
Important Service Limitations
maison.work states that this service focuses on identifying suitable premises.
It does not provide full tenant representation or negotiate the lease on the customer’s behalf.
Businesses needing contract negotiation or legal advice should engage appropriately qualified professionals.
Important Legal Considerations When Renting Commercial Property in Switzerland
Commercial leasing involves obligations that should be understood before a contract is signed.
The Swiss Code of Obligations provides an important part of the legal framework.
However, the correct interpretation depends on the circumstances and applicable rules.
Verify Permitted Use
A property suitable for an ordinary office may not automatically be approved for retail, industrial production or medical activities.
The tenant should confirm applicable zoning, building and operational requirements.
Understand the Rental Contract
Review the property description, rent, additional charges, lease duration, renewal provisions and termination terms.
Any unusual arrangements should be reviewed carefully.
Confirm Deposit Requirements
The agreed deposit should be clearly documented.
For cash security, the applicable legal framework includes requirements concerning the account in which the funds are held.
Review Alterations and Fit-Out
A tenant may want to install partitions, equipment, signs or other improvements.
The lease should explain what is permitted, who pays and what must be restored at the end of the tenancy.
Check Maintenance Responsibilities
The contract should establish which party is responsible for relevant building services, repairs and upkeep.
Unclear responsibilities can create disputes later.
Obtain Professional Advice
A commercial property platform provides listings and related services.
It is not a substitute for a Swiss-qualified lawyer, technical inspector or other appropriate adviser.
How to Find Commercial Space in Switzerland Step by Step
An organised search process helps businesses make decisions using consistent information.
Step 1: Define the Intended Use
Identify whether the business needs an office, retail unit, warehouse, workshop or another type of premises.
Step 2: Establish the Budget
Decide on the maximum affordable occupancy cost, including additional charges and upfront expenses.
Step 3: Choose Preferred Locations
Consider customers, employees, suppliers, transport and business operations.
Step 4: Search Available Properties
Use relevant filters to explore suitable commercial listings.
Step 5: Create a Shortlist
Compare the most promising options using consistent criteria.
Step 6: Contact the Advertisers
Confirm availability, rental conditions, viewing arrangements and important building features.
Step 7: Visit the Premises
Inspect the space and evaluate whether it works for the proposed business activity.
Step 8: Review the Agreement
Before committing, obtain appropriate legal, financial and technical advice.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Renting Swiss Commercial Property
Some businesses choose premises based almost entirely on appearance.
An attractive office can still create problems if it is poorly connected to public transport or lacks sufficient meeting space.
Others focus only on advertised rent.
Additional charges, deposits and fit-out costs can materially affect affordability.
Another common mistake is assuming that an available property can be used for any commercial activity.
Planning, building and operational requirements may restrict certain uses.
Companies may also underestimate growth requirements.
An office that accommodates current staff may become unsuitable as the team expands.
However, renting excessive space can create unnecessary costs.
Finally, businesses sometimes treat property advertisements as independently verified contractual promises.
Listing details should always be checked with the responsible advertiser and reflected accurately in the agreement.
Future Trends in Swiss Commercial Real Estate Platforms
Technology continues to influence how commercial premises are advertised and discovered.
More Focused Property Searches
Specialised marketplaces can help users narrow their searches to specific business needs.
AI-Assisted Discovery
AI search interfaces may make it easier to express property requirements using natural language.
The usefulness of these systems depends on data quality and the accuracy of the results.
Integrated Property Management Systems
Software integrations may reduce repeated listing updates across different marketing channels.
Greater Demand for Flexible Premises
Some businesses may seek offices or workspaces that can accommodate changes in staffing and working practices.
However, demand varies by industry and region.
Better Digital Presentations
Detailed photographs, floor plans and virtual visualisations may help prospective tenants evaluate properties before arranging viewings.
Transparent Marketing Pricing
Clearly described listing and subscription costs can help landlords make informed advertising decisions.
Human Expertise Remains Important
Digital platforms can support discovery, but selecting, negotiating and fitting out a commercial property still requires human judgement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a company based in Switzerland like maison.work do?
maison.work is a Zurich-based PropTech company operating an online marketplace that connects businesses seeking commercial rental premises with landlords and property advertisers.
2. Is maison.work a Swiss company?
Yes. maison.work AG is registered in Zurich, Switzerland, and operates a platform specialising in Swiss commercial property rentals.
3. Can I find office and retail space through maison.work?
Yes. The platform advertises offices, retail units, coworking spaces, logistics facilities and other commercial premises across Switzerland.
4. Is searching for commercial property on maison.work free?
The company’s terms state that tenant and advertiser registration is free, with normal listing fees charged to advertisers. Its separate assisted search service has its own fee.
5. How much does maison.work charge landlords?
Its current English pricing page advertises CHF 29 per month for an individual listing, with packages starting at CHF 179 per month. Confirm current prices before purchasing.
6. Does maison.work negotiate commercial lease contracts?
The company states that its dedicated search service identifies suitable properties but does not negotiate leases. Tenants should seek appropriate professional advice for contract negotiations.
Conclusion
A company based in Switzerland that specialises in commercial property can offer useful tools for businesses searching for offices, retail premises, warehouses and other working spaces. Zurich-based maison.work combines a commercial-focused marketplace with advertising solutions and a dedicated property search service. Its platform can make preliminary research and communication more convenient, but property details and lease terms still require independent verification. With clear requirements, realistic budgeting and appropriate professional advice, businesses can make more informed decisions about their next commercial location.
