Guides to buying property in Switzerland

Clear answers about buying a house, a flat or building land. With official figures and sources.

Taxes Imputed rental value: abolished in 2029, and what it means for buyers Switzerland abolishes the imputed rental value on 1 January 2029. What it means for owners and buyers: mortgage interest, upkeep, first-time buyers, second homes. 5 min read

Financing Mortgage affordability in Switzerland – how much house can you afford? Affordability calculator and guide: how Swiss banks check whether you can afford a home. With 5 % imputed interest, 1 % upkeep and one third of income. 4 min read

Taxes Lowest-tax municipalities in Switzerland compared Where do you pay the least tax in Switzerland? All 26 cantons compared with their lowest-tax municipality, using official FTA figures for 2025. 4 min read

Law Can foreigners buy property in Switzerland? Lex Koller explained Lex Koller explained: who can buy a house or flat in Switzerland as a foreigner, when you need a permit, the rules for holiday homes and what the planned tightening changes. 5 min read

Taxes Property gains tax in Switzerland: what you pay when you sell Swiss property gains tax explained: how the gain is calculated, why the holding period matters, the Zurich tariff with a worked example, and when the tax is deferred. 5 min read

Buying Buying a flat in Switzerland: how condominium ownership works Swiss condominium ownership (Stockwerkeigentum) explained: what is yours alone, how the value quota splits costs and votes, how big the renovation fund should be, and what to check before you buy. 7 min read

Selling Selling property in Switzerland: steps, costs and what AI can do Selling a house or flat in Switzerland: the process in seven steps, the costs for sellers, estate agent versus private sale, and where AI genuinely helps. 6 min read

Selling Estate agent commission in Switzerland: how much, for what and when it is due Swiss estate agent commission explained: usual rates by property type, worked examples, what the Code of Obligations says, the fee models on offer and how to negotiate. 5 min read