We run your short-term rental in Zurich and around Lake Zurich – from photography to guest support.
alphakey is an Airbnb property management company based in Wettswil am Albis that runs short-term rentals for apartment owners in Zurich, around Lake Zurich and the surrounding communes. We take on the listing and photography, pricing, guest communication, cleaning and statements — as a co-host on Airbnb and Booking.com. The commission is 18 per cent of accommodation revenue after deduction of platform fees on the basic package and 25 per cent for full service, with no base fee and cancellable monthly.
For a well-kept 3-room flat on full service, month by month and after every deduction. In the city short-term letting is ahead; outside it, long-term letting.
| Location | Short-term | Long-term |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich city centre | CHF 3,210 | CHF 2,680 |
| Zurich, other districts | CHF 2,540 | CHF 1,990 |
| Lake Zurich | CHF 2,380 | CHF 2,080 |
| Zurich surrounding area | CHF 1,680 | CHF 1,690 |
Zurich & the lake
our region
Around the clock
guest support
All inclusive
from listing to cleaning
No fixed fees
billing based on revenue
You want to let it, and you want to know what it brings in — and what management takes out. The calculator shows both for your address, no sign-up.
Calculate revenuePermit, condominium rules, tenancy agreement: whether short-term letting is allowed in your case comes down to three questions. Settle them before the first guest, not after.
What applies in ZurichFrom creating the listing to coordinated cleaning, we take care of every detail so you do not have to.
Professional photography and compelling descriptions to make your property stand out on Airbnb and Booking.com.
Daily price adjustments based on local demand, seasonality, and events to maximize your occupancy and revenue.
24/7 communication, smooth check-ins, and personalized local recommendations for every guest.
Regular inspections and prompt maintenance coordination to keep your property in perfect condition.
We do not carry out the cleaning ourselves; we engage partner companies under framework agreements — after every stay, with fresh linen. We plan it, check it and answer for the coordination.
Implementation of smart locks or secure key exchange solutions for seamless and safe guest entry.
Managers in Zurich charge 20 to 21 per cent of rental revenue for full service — GuestReady from 21, UpperKey 20 (as of July 2026); internationally the range goes above 30. Our basic tier starts at 18 per cent, full service is 25. Billing is on revenue, not a fixed fee: if the flat is empty, you pay nothing. And the basis of calculation belongs in the contract — some providers charge on gross revenue, others on the amount after platform fees. At the same percentage those are different sums.
No minimum term, no notice period beyond one month. We consider that the more honest basis: whoever stays should convince, not bind. You can switch to long-term letting or personal use at any time, without waiting for a contract to expire.
No provider in Zurich publishes what their percentage actually applies to. Between «20 per cent of the booking total» and «20 per cent of accommodation revenue after platform fees» lies a difference of over 40 per cent for you. Our commission applies to accommodation revenue after the platform fee — excluding cleaning fees and pass-through items. Verifiable in your Airbnb payout report.
We take on short-term rental management for owners in the city of Zurich, along the western shore between Kilchberg and Thalwil, and in the surrounding area. Whether we can work at your address, and what is permitted there, we clarify in the first conversation.
We are not just a global algorithm. We are a dedicated local team in Zurich that understands the specific market dynamics, regulations, and guest expectations in Switzerland.
From the first assessment to ongoing management — you always know where things stand.
01
We view your property and assess what short-term rental can realistically achieve. Free and without obligation.
02
We produce the photographs, write the listing and set up your profiles on the platforms.
03
Rates adjust to demand, season and events in Zurich — continuously, not once.
04
We handle enquiries, check-in and maintenance; cleaning and laundry we arrange through partner companies. You receive the statement.
Permits, tenancy law, taxes, market figures — with sources, so you can check them.
From practice · 9 min read
The question on which self-management founders in practice — and the point where a lost key in a Swiss apartment building can run into five figures.
Law & permits · 8 min read
One flat, four heirs, no agreement — and a vacancy that keeps running. What the law requires and which route leads out of the deadlock.
Returns & costs · 9 min read
In the city of Zurich, short-term letting leaves 11 to 17 per cent more than long-term letting. Outside the city it is the other way round. The full calculation with every deduction — and what it does not tell you.
We will look at it and tell you frankly — including when the answer is no. Strict house rules, difficult access or a floor plan without a separable sleeping area all count against it. An honest no costs both sides less than an attempt that does not pay off.
In the city of Zurich yes, as soon as a flat is let short-term on a permanent commercial basis: since the Federal Supreme Court ruling of 30 April 2026 it no longer counts towards the prescribed minimum residential share, and the change of use can trigger a building application. This does not apply to occasional letting during your own absence. Outside the city it depends on the municipality — there is no single answer for the whole canton. Clarifying this rests with you and is not part of our services. For a legally binding assessment consult the municipality or a specialist; we tell you what to look out for and where to ask.
We work with a commission from 18 per cent of booking revenue — depending on the property, its size and the scope of service. No base fee, no setup costs, no hidden charges. If the flat stands empty, you pay nothing. We name the exact rate for your property in the first conversation.
No. We believe in earning your business every day. Our contracts are flexible and can be cancelled with a 30-day notice period.
For a well-kept 3-room flat the range is roughly CHF 1,500 to CHF 3,000 net a month depending on location — after platform fees, commission and cleaning, in established operation. The first year is lower, because a new listing has to reach market occupancy first. What applies at your address depends on location, size, standard and season: the calculator on this site gives the figure for your details, and a conversation makes it more precise. We stay away from promises in per cent; they say nothing about your property.
Absolutely! It is your property. You can block out dates for personal use at any time through our owner portal, provided the dates are not already booked by a guest.
Find out how much your property could earn. Get a non-binding revenue projection today.
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