The Tragbarkeit calculator shows whether a bank is likely to assess a desired Hypothek as affordable under Swiss-style Tragbarkeit rules. The decisive factor is not the current interest rate, but a stress calculation using a notional interest rate, ancillary costs and amortisation. In Switzerland, the benchmark is: annual housing costs should amount to no more than around 33% of gross household income. At the same time, financing generally requires at least 20% Eigenkapital. The calculator is suitable for an initial assessment before searching for property, before requesting an offer, or as a plausibility check alongside a mortgage calculator and Hypothekarzinsen comparison.
Tragbarkeit measures whether a household can carry the ongoing costs of a Hypothek over the long term. Banks calculate more conservatively than the actual market: they do not only check the effective interest burden, but also notional interest rates, maintenance, ancillary costs and the required amortisation. The relevant figure is the gross income of the borrowers. For couples, both incomes usually count only if both are jointly and severally liable as co-debtors. Bonuses, commissions or variable income are often only partially included. A Tragbarkeit calculator does not replace a binding credit assessment, but it shows early on whether purchase price, Eigenkapital and income realistically fit together.
The most important rule of thumb is: notional housing costs should account for no more than 33% of gross household income. In borderline cases, individual banks apply stricter limits of around 30%. For the interest calculation, institutions usually use 4.5% to 5%, even though effective Hypothekarzinsen in 2026 are significantly lower. In May 2026, indicative Swiss rates were around 1.33% for 5-year Festhypotheken and 1.54% for 10-year Festhypotheken. The 5% rate provides a safety buffer against rising interest rates and corresponds to the established Swiss industry standard.
For owner-occupied residential property, Swiss banks generally require at least 20% Eigenkapital. This minimum requirement is based on the FINMA-recognised self-regulation of the Swiss Bankers Association, abbreviated SBVg. At least 10% of the purchase price must come from hard own funds, meaning not from an advance withdrawal or pledge of the Pensionskasse. Typical hard funds include savings, Säule 3a, securities, inheritances or gifts. The remaining 10% can also be financed via the 2. Säule. For investment properties, stricter rules have applied since 1 January 2025, with at least 25% Eigenkapital.
With a purchase price of CHF 1'000'000 and 20% Eigenkapital, the Hypothek amounts to CHF 800'000. The bank calculates with a 5% notional interest rate, i.e. CHF 40'000 per year. In addition, there are ancillary costs and maintenance of usually 1% of the property value, i.e. CHF 10'000. The second Hypothek of CHF 150'000 must be amortised within 15 years to a 65% loan-to-value ratio, which amounts to CHF 10'000 per year. The notional housing costs therefore amount to CHF 60'000. Under the 33% rule, the household needs around CHF 182'000 in gross income.
Tragbarkeit improves if the Hypothek decreases or more income is taken into account. A Pensionskasse advance withdrawal can reduce the loan-to-value ratio, but it does not count towards the minimum 10% hard own funds. Indirect amortisation via Säule 3a is often attractive from a tax perspective: employees with a Pensionskasse may pay in a maximum of CHF 7'258 in 2026, while self-employed persons without a Pensionskasse may pay in CHF 36'288. The contribution is deductible, while the Hypothek debt and therefore the debt interest deduction remain in place. For couples, joint and several liability can help because banks then take both incomes into account; without joint liability, often only one income counts.
Since 1 January 2025, the third revision of the FINMA-recognised SBVg guidelines on minimum requirements for mortgage financing has applied. For owner-occupied residential property, 20% Eigenkapital and amortisation to a 65% loan-to-value ratio within 15 years remain unchanged. Rules for investment properties were tightened: at least 25% Eigenkapital and amortisation within 10 years. In addition, the Eigenmietwert reform changes the tax logic. According to the EFD, the Eigenmietwert for owner-occupied residential property is expected to be abolished as of 1 January 2029; debt interest and maintenance deductions will therefore also largely cease to apply. This affects mortgage calculators, amortisation decisions and indirect Säule 3a strategies.