Buyer's Guide

What Can You Buy in Montreux for CHF 1 Million?

A realistic guide to what CHF 1 million buys in the current Montreux property market.

Written by

Evgenia Sander

Real estate professional based in Montreux with 16 years of local experience.

Published: 25 July 2026  ·  Updated: 25 July 2026

A budget of CHF 1 million is a meaningful entry point to the Montreux property market. It does not buy a lake-view apartment in a prime building, but it does provide access to a range of options — from compact apartments in good locations to larger properties requiring renovation.

What CHF 1 million buys

At CHF 1 million, buyers can expect a one- to two-bedroom apartment of 50–80 sqm in an older building, typically without direct lake views. Properties in this range are often in need of updating — new kitchen, bathrooms and flooring — but may be in structurally sound buildings with good access to the town centre and public transport.

In some cases, a CHF 1 million budget can stretch to a two-bedroom apartment with partial lake views in a less sought-after building or location. The trade-off is typically between size and view — a smaller apartment with a partial view, or a larger apartment without.

Locations accessible at this budget

At CHF 1 million, the most accessible locations are the upper town (above the Route de Glion), Clarens and the outer neighbourhoods of Montreux. These areas offer good quality of life, access to the lake promenade and town centre by foot or public transport, and a genuine Montreux address.

Properties directly on or immediately above the lake promenade are generally not accessible at this budget. The premium for lakeside proximity pushes prices well above CHF 1 million even for modest apartments.

Considerations for buyers at this budget

Buyers at the CHF 1 million level should be realistic about what they can expect and should factor renovation costs into their total budget. A property purchased for CHF 850,000 and renovated for CHF 150,000 represents a total investment of CHF 1 million — and the renovated property will be worth more than the unrenovated equivalent.

For non-resident foreign buyers, properties at this price level may also be subject to Lex Koller restrictions. Foreign Buyer Eligible properties at the CHF 1 million level exist but are limited — buyers should confirm eligibility before beginning their search.

Key points

  • CHF 1 million: one- to two-bedroom apartment, 50–80 sqm, older building
  • Typically no direct lake views at this budget
  • Locations: upper town, Clarens, outer Montreux
  • Renovation investment likely required — factor into total budget
  • Foreign Buyer Eligible properties at this level exist but are limited

Contact Montreux Real Estate to discuss what is currently available in Montreux within a CHF 1 million budget.

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