What steps are involved in buying property in Switzerland?

The process includes: budget planning, property search, viewing, financing approval from the bank, reservation agreement, notarisation of the purchase contract and land register entry.

How long does it take to buy property in Switzerland?

From the offer to the transfer of ownership, it typically takes 2–4 months. Depending on the canton, notarisation and land register entry each take 2–6 weeks.

Can I buy property in Switzerland as a foreigner?

EU/EFTA citizens resident in Switzerland may freely purchase residential property for their own use. Restrictions apply to third-country nationals and holiday homes under Lex Koller.

Buying Property in Switzerland 2026: Equity, Costs & Process

Q: How much equity do I need to buy a house in Switzerland?

You need at least 20% equity, of which at least 10% must come from non-pension assets (savings, gifts, 3a assets). The remaining 10% may come from the pension fund.

To buy property in Switzerland you need at least 20 % equity, of which at least 10 % must be "hard" funds (not from your pension fund / Pensionskasse). The bank tests affordability with a calculatory interest rate of 5 % - the total burden may not exceed 33 % of gross income. In 2026 a condominium costs an average of CHF 7'719/m², a single-family house CHF 7'881/m². On top come purchase-related costs of 3-5 %. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months.

How much equity do I need to buy a house in Switzerland?

At least 20 % of the purchase price must be contributed as equity, of which at least 10 % from "hard" own funds (savings, Säule 3a, advance inheritance). At most 10 % may come from the pension fund (Pensionskasse). For a purchase price of CHF 1'000'000 you therefore need at least CHF 200'000 in equity, of which CHF 100'000 may not come from the PK.

How is affordability calculated?

The bank calculates with a calculatory interest rate of 5 % on the mortgage (80 %), plus 1 % ancillary costs and the amortisation of the 2nd mortgage over 15 years. For CHF 1 million this results in an annual burden of CHF 60'000 - which requires a gross income of CHF 182'000 (total ÷ 33 %). Current SARON mortgages stand at around 0.85 %.

How high may the mortgage be at most?

At most 80 % of the market value. The 1st mortgage goes up to 65 %, the 2nd mortgage covers the remaining 15 % and must be amortised within 15 years. The calculatory total burden (5 % interest + 1 % ancillary costs + amortisation) may not exceed 33 % of gross income.

What ancillary costs arise when buying property?

Typically 3-5 % of the purchase price, strongly dependent on the canton. In the Canton of Zurich it is around 1.5-2 %. For CHF 1'200'000 this results in approx. CHF 10'200 (0.85 %): property transfer tax (Handänderungssteuer) CHF 6'000 (buyer's share 0.5 %), notary costs CHF 2'400 (0.2 %), Grundbuch CHF 1'800 (0.15 %). Bern and Schwyz levy no Handänderungssteuer.

What does property cost in Switzerland in 2026?

A condominium costs on average CHF 7'719/m², a single-family house CHF 7'881/m² (2026), up +2.5 % year-on-year. In the city of Zurich and along Lake Zurich, square-metre prices are in some cases above CHF 15'000. Since 2020 prices have risen by a cumulative figure of around 18 %.

Will the imputed rental value (Eigenmietwert) be abolished?

Yes. On 28 September 2025 the Swiss electorate approved the abolition of the imputed rental value (Eigenmietwert) with 57.7 % in favour; implementation is planned for around 2029. Until then, the Eigenmietwert (60-70 % of market rent) must be taxed as income. With the abolition, the deductions for mortgage interest and maintenance costs will also disappear.