How high are the additional costs when buying a house in Switzerland?

The one-off purchase-related additional costs amount to 3–5% of the purchase price, depending on the canton. The main items are property transfer tax, land register fees, notary costs and mortgage fees.

How high is the property transfer tax in the canton of Zürich?

There is no property transfer tax in the canton of Zürich. Only land register fees and notary costs apply, which makes Zürich one of the cheapest cantons for property purchases.

What ongoing additional costs arise with owner-occupied property?

Allow for 1–1.5% of the building insurance value per year for heating, water, electricity, building insurance, maintenance and reserves.

Are renovation costs tax-deductible as additional costs when buying?

Value-preserving renovations are tax-deductible, whereas value-enhancing investments are not. Energy-related refurbishments are often fully deductible as a special case.

Closing Costs When Buying Property

All closing costs when buying property in Switzerland: notary fees, land registry fees, transfer tax, and ongoing costs.