Analysis by Laurine Mallet, co-founder of Morgan & Mallet (M&M).
In 2026, the question of how much a domestic couple costs is no longer a matter of simple budget curiosity.
It has become central for owners of villas, châteaux, mountain chalets and large private estates in France, Switzerland, Monaco and Belgium.
The market has changed significantly:
• Salaries have doubled since 2015.
• Candidate expectations have become more professional.
• The shortage of qualified profiles is now one of the most sensitive issues in the high-end household staff sector.
At M&M, we specialize in household staff recruitment for HNW and UHNW clients and have been observing this evolution for over ten years.
Since we opened in 2015, the role of domestic couples has undergone rapid transformation, driven by:
• The rise of large private properties.
• The internationalization of owners.
• Increased demands regarding security, discretion and technical management.
Both Laurine and her co-founder Morgan Richez worked in household services before establishing the agency. Laurine as a nanny and Morgan as a butler for HNW and UHNW families in London.
These experiences shaped their understanding of what elite clients need and what household staff face daily.
In 2026, a domestic couple typically costs between 4,500 and 6,000 euros net per month.
This salary almost always comes with independent accommodation, a service vehicle and often other benefits on top.
This reality contrasts sharply with the remuneration levels observed between 2015 and 2018, a period during which salaries still hovered around 3,000 euros net monthly for two people.
This level of remuneration has now completely disappeared from the professional market.
What Domestic Couples Actually Do in Large Private Properties
Domestic couples play a critical role in managing large private residences.
The role extends far beyond basic maintenance or simply being present on the property.
In 2026, a domestic couple is above all a two person team responsible for ensuring the continuity, security and enhancement of real estate assets often valued at several million, even tens of millions of euros.
In practice, the duties cover:
• General property surveillance.
• Interior and exterior maintenance.
• Technical equipment management.
• Service provider liaison.
• Work supervision.
• Access management.
• Welcoming owners and their guests.
Recruiters from our Paris office at 31, Rue de Penthièvre note that in wine estates, historic châteaux or mountain chalets, the seasonal dimension adds additional complexity requiring real anticipation capacity.
At M&M, we note that owners now expect from a domestic couple an almost managerial approach.
It is no longer simply about executing tasks, but about understanding, alerting, planning and reporting back.
This skills upgrade partly explains the salary increases observed in recent years.
Why Domestic Couple Demand Has Surged Since 2015
When we began recruiting domestic couples in 2015, the market was relatively stable. Requests came mainly from French owners with second homes or family estates.
The profiles sought often came from agriculture, hospitality or maintenance, with a strong practical dimension but little formalization.
Between 2018 and 2022, the first turning point occurred. The arrival of international clients, and demand in Switzerland, Monaco and Belgium, surged sharply.
Properties became more demanding regarding technology knowledge, confidentiality requirements became stricter, and presentation standards higher.
Couples capable of adapting to these environments saw their value increase significantly.
Since 2023, demand has accelerated dramatically. Internal data from M&M shows an increase of over 60% in domestic couple requests in the French, Swiss and Monegasque markets in three years.
This growth is directly linked to the increase in the number of high-end second homes, but also to an increased desire by owners to secure and maintain their properties permanently.
How Much Does a Domestic Couple Really Cost in 2026?
In 2026, the cost of a domestic couple can no longer be analyzed solely from the salary angle.
The overall package has become the norm.
In the French, Swiss, Monegasque and Belgian markets, the most frequently observed range sits between 4,500 and 6,000 euros net per month for the couple, depending on experience level, property complexity and location isolation.
To this salary is almost always added staff accommodation. This is generally independent, fully equipped and located either on the property itself or in immediate proximity.
This accommodation represents significant rental value, particularly in high-demand areas like the French Riviera, the Swiss Alps or certain French wine regions.
In many cases, a service vehicle is also provided, sometimes with fuel and maintenance costs covered.
Between 2015 and 2018, couples we recruited received on average 3,000 to 3,500 euros net per month for two people, accommodation included.
This level of remuneration is no longer aligned with current market reality. The increase is clear, structural and lasting, driven by demand that far exceeds the supply of qualified candidates.
Understanding the Structural Shortage of Domestic Couples
Gilles Khun, who has recruited for us since we opened 11 years ago, explains that younger generations show little interest in this type of work.
Field feedback from our recruiters is unanimous:
• The notion of permanent presence deters many younger candidates.
• The sometimes isolated location of properties limits appeal.
• The long-term commitment required conflicts with preferences for mobility and flexibility.
Our team in the Rolle office near Geneva has observed that the majority of truly operational couples in 2026 are over 40 years old, with significant experience in demanding environments.
This means that in the next decade, as this group enters retirement, the shortage is only going to get worse.
Junior profiles are rare. They require substantial support to reach the autonomy level expected by HNW and UHNW owners.
Finding qualified domestic couples in 2026 is difficult despite the position offering real advantages:
• Job stability.
• Provided accommodation.
• Attractive remuneration.
• Considerable autonomy.
Yet qualified candidates remain scarce.
What Candidates Expect from Domestic Couple Roles in 2026
Alongside the salary increase, candidate expectations have also evolved.
In 2015, basic staff accommodation often was enough. In 2026, domestic couples pay attention to the quality of their accommodation, their privacy and the clarity of their scope of intervention.
Candidates now request clear contracts, defined rest periods, and real recognition of their role. The human dimension has become central.
Couples wish to work for respectful owners, with fluid communication and realistic expectations.
This change stems from two forces: fewer experienced candidates and rising professional standards across the sector.
Staff Accommodation Regulations Across France, Switzerland, Monaco and Belgium
Staff accommodation is a structural element of a domestic couple’s contract. In France, Switzerland, Monaco and Belgium, its provision must respect a precise legal framework.
The accommodation is generally linked to the employment contract and justified by the necessity of on-site presence.
In 2026, more owners are making sure the contractual details around accommodation are watertight, especially if the employment relationship ends.
Agreements are evolving toward greater clarity, with precise clauses on accommodation release deadlines and occupation conditions. This contractual professionalization is a direct response to market tensions and the growing value of the properties concerned.
Our recruiters can offer guidance on contracts. While we are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice, in a recent conversation Morgan noted that clients often miss critical details when drafting contracts alone.
He explained: “It’s very important to describe the accommodation, what is included, what is not included, what you are allowed to do inside the property.”
Clients have found that M&M recruiter feedback helps them spot blind spots and reduce risk before they become problems.
This is just one of the advantages of working with an agency that understands both the candidate perspective and the owner’s needs.
Domestic Couple Demand by Property Type and Location
The most frequent requests today come from owners of prestige villas, historic châteaux, mountain chalets and large private estates.
According to one of our recruiters in Valbonne near Monaco, the scarcity of land in Switzerland and Monaco, combined with property values, further reinforces the importance of the domestic couple role.
In France, certain regions concentrate a significant share of requests, notably Provence, the French Riviera, the Alps and wine regions.
In Belgium, the market is more discreet but equally demanding, with strong expectations regarding confidentiality and versatility.
Analysis by Laurine Mallet
“The domestic couple is now essential to how large private homes are run. Costs have gone up because the work has become more demanding and candidates are scarce.
For owners, paying well for a capable, experienced domestic couple makes sense. These properties are worth millions. Managing them properly requires professionals who can handle the responsibility.”
Article written by Laurine Mallet, co-founder of M&M.
FAQ – Domestic Couple Salaries in 2026
What is the average salary of a domestic couple in 2026?
A domestic couple typically earns between 4,500 and 6,000 euros net per month in France. In Switzerland, expect to pay CHF 120,000 to CHF 160,000 gross annually, while Monaco ranges from 80,000 to 115,000 euros gross per year.
These figures reflect the couple’s combined salary. Accommodation, a service vehicle, and often other benefits are provided on top of this base pay.
Is staff accommodation always included?
Yes, independent accommodation is provided in nearly all domestic couple placements. This has become standard across France, Switzerland, Monaco and Belgium.
The accommodation is typically on the property or in immediate proximity, fully equipped and separate from the main residence. This allows the couple to maintain privacy while remaining available for property management duties.
Why have salaries increased so much since 2015?
Salaries have doubled because demand far exceeds the supply of qualified candidates. Between 2015 and 2018, domestic couples earned around 3,000 euros net monthly. That level no longer exists in the professional market.
The role itself has also become more demanding. Owners now expect domestic couples to take a near-managerial approach to property oversight, not just basic maintenance. Finding two people who can work together, live together and adapt to high-net-worth clients is extremely difficult.
What profiles are most sought after?
Experienced couples over 40 who are autonomous, versatile and capable of managing complex properties. Properties in Switzerland and Monaco often require multilingual staff.
The majority of operational domestic couples placed by M&M are over 40 years old with significant experience in demanding environments. Junior profiles are rare and require substantial support to reach the autonomy level expected by clients.
Can young couples access these positions?
Yes, but it’s uncommon. Younger generations are less attracted to the notion of permanent presence, isolated locations and long-term commitments.
Most placements made by M&M involve couples over 40 with proven track records. Younger couples must demonstrate strong adaptability and a genuine understanding of what the role requires day-to-day.
Do domestic couples always get a service vehicle?
Yes, in most cases. A service vehicle is almost always provided for roles in rural or isolated areas.
This is standard for wine estates, mountain chalets and large countryside properties where the couple needs transportation to access shops, suppliers and coordinate with service providers.
Are contracts more regulated than before?
Yes, contractual clarity has become essential. Owners are increasingly careful to secure the legal aspects of staff accommodation, particularly regarding notice periods if a contract ends.
In France, employment law heavily protects workers, so employers need to be thorough. In Switzerland and Monaco, contracts tend to be clearer from the start given the international nature of the workforce.





