Buying property in Switzerland
Elizabeth Bagwell, Saturday, 16 November 2013
This article is part of a series of 10 articles about buying property in Switzerland. The other articles in the series cover the following topics:
With a strong economy, a stable currency and steady growth in property prices, Switzerland would be an attractive place to buy a property even if it wasn't so pretty. However, whether you're a new resident or a foreign investor, buying property in another country can be fraught with difficulties posed by unfamiliar customs and red tape. Our series of articles take you through the steps of buying property in Switzerland, giving you a good grounding in the key issues.
Permission to buy a Swiss property
One reason that the Swiss property market has been so stable is that the property market is largely closed to foreigners. However, it is possible to buy property in Switzerland if you're resident in the country, and even non-residents can buy property in certain circumstances. Find out how to get permission to buy a Swiss property : .
Taxes
Understanding the tax situation is key to ensuring that your investment is as successful as you hope. With local, regional and national governments all levying different taxes, the situation in Switzerland can seem complex. Find out about more about Swiss property taxes : .
The costs of buying and selling a property in Switzerland
Another key factor in ensuring your investment is successful. Property transfer costs are relatively low in Switzerland, but they do vary widely from canton to canton so it's important to fully understand the costs you may be liable for. One notable difference is that lawyers are rarely involved in Swiss property deals as the contract must be created and witnessed by a public notary. Read our article on the costs of buying and selling a property in Switzerland to find out more : .
Swiss mortgages
Mortgage rates in Switzerland are typically low, and usually relatively easy to arrange. However, the details are critical to making a successful mortgage arrangement. Read our article on for an overview of the application process and tips on how to get started finding a lender.
Documents required
Dealing with a foreign bureaucracy is always tricky as they have different assumptions about what paperwork is essential. Our will help you get start preparing your documentation ahead of time, so you can be ready to jump when the right property appears.
Real estate agents
Deciding whether to work with an estate agent can be difficult. As Swiss estate agents are typically small and often focus on a specific property niche or a limited geographical area, you'll want to know how to spot one with full qualifications. Our article on will get you started.
Buying process
Our gives you a clear overview of the steps you'll need to go through. We've outlined the steps for both resident and non- resident buyers, helping you get to grips with the process quickly and easily.
What type of property do you want to buy?
The process of buying a property in Switzerland varies depending on what type of property you want to buy. Commercial properties are subject to few or no restrictions, while residential properties in certain areas can be almost impossible to buy if you're non-resident. Find out more about
Which region to buy in?
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each of which has its own local government and regulations concerning the purchase of property, and 3 main regional languages. Get a sound overview of so you can start researching the area or areas you'd like to target.
How long does it take?
Purchasing a property in Switzerland, once you've found the one you want, typically takes 3 months, with an additional 8-12 weeks if you require a permit to purchase. Selling a property can take longer as the Swiss property market is often slow-moving. This is particularly notable for niche properties, such as those in ski resorts, properties away from the bustling urban centres of Geneva, Zurich and Bern, and extreme luxury properties.
With a reliable representative in Switzerland, most of the property transfer process can take place without you being present. However, as the new owner of the property, you will need to be present to sign the deed of sale and the mortgage (should you require one). This will almost always be done in the notary's office.
This article is part of a series of 10 articles about buying property in Switzerland. The other articles in the series cover the following topics:
With a strong economy, a stable currency and steady growth in property prices, Switzerland would be an attractive place to buy a property even if it wasn't so pretty. However, whether you're a new resident or a foreign investor, buying property in another country can be fraught with difficulties posed by unfamiliar customs and red tape. Our series of articles take you through the steps of buying property in Switzerland, giving you a good grounding in the key issues.
Permission to buy a Swiss property
One reason that the Swiss property market has been so stable is that the property market is largely closed to foreigners. However, it is possible to buy property in Switzerland if you're resident in the country, and even non-residents can buy property in certain circumstances. Find out how to get permission to buy a Swiss property : .
Taxes
Understanding the tax situation is key to ensuring that your investment is as successful as you hope. With local, regional and national governments all levying different taxes, the situation in Switzerland can seem complex. Find out about more about Swiss property taxes : .
The costs of buying and selling a property in Switzerland
Another key factor in ensuring your investment is successful. Property transfer costs are relatively low in Switzerland, but they do vary widely from canton to canton so it's important to fully understand the costs you may be liable for. One notable difference is that lawyers are rarely involved in Swiss property deals as the contract must be created and witnessed by a public notary. Read our article on the costs of buying and selling a property in Switzerland to find out more : .
Swiss mortgages
Mortgage rates in Switzerland are typically low, and usually relatively easy to arrange. However, the details are critical to making a successful mortgage arrangement. Read our article on for an overview of the application process and tips on how to get started finding a lender.
Documents required
Dealing with a foreign bureaucracy is always tricky as they have different assumptions about what paperwork is essential. Our will help you get start preparing your documentation ahead of time, so you can be ready to jump when the right property appears.
Real estate agents
Deciding whether to work with an estate agent can be difficult. As Swiss estate agents are typically small and often focus on a specific property niche or a limited geographical area, you'll want to know how to spot one with full qualifications. Our article on will get you started.
Buying process
Our gives you a clear overview of the steps you'll need to go through. We've outlined the steps for both resident and non- resident buyers, helping you get to grips with the process quickly and easily.
What type of property do you want to buy?
The process of buying a property in Switzerland varies depending on what type of property you want to buy. Commercial properties are subject to few or no restrictions, while residential properties in certain areas can be almost impossible to buy if you're non-resident. Find out more about
Which region to buy in?
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each of which has its own local government and regulations concerning the purchase of property, and 3 main regional languages. Get a sound overview of so you can start researching the area or areas you'd like to target.
How long does it take?
Purchasing a property in Switzerland, once you've found the one you want, typically takes 3 months, with an additional 8-12 weeks if you require a permit to purchase. Selling a property can take longer as the Swiss property market is often slow-moving. This is particularly notable for niche properties, such as those in ski resorts, properties away from the bustling urban centres of Geneva, Zurich and Bern, and extreme luxury properties.
With a reliable representative in Switzerland, most of the property transfer process can take place without you being present. However, as the new owner of the property, you will need to be present to sign the deed of sale and the mortgage (should you require one). This will almost always be done in the notary's office.
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