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UrbanHome Guide Switzerland

Buying property: Guide for Switzerland

From initial budgeting to receiving the keys: find clear guidance on buying a house or apartment, financing, viewings and purchase agreements in Switzerland.

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13 Articles Updated: 20.07.2026 Focus: Switzerland
Key points at a glance

Buying property: Guide for Switzerland

Before buying a property, review your available equity and long-term affordability. Compare the location, condition and total costs, and have important documents checked before signing the purchase agreement.

13 Articles Buying process Frequently asked questions
Explore guides Frequently asked questions
113 ArticlesPractical guides, checklists and answers for property buyers in Switzerland. 2Search properties for saleLearn how equity, affordability and mortgages work when buying property. 3Buying processFocus: Switzerland 4Frequently asked questions about buying propertyThese answers provide initial guidance. Financial, legal and tax details may vary depending on your individual circumstances and canton.
Property knowledge

Guides to buying property

Practical guides, checklists and answers for property buyers in Switzerland.

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Buying

Imputed Rental Value Ends in 2029: Who Wins and Who Loses?

From 2029, the imputed rental value will be abolished in Switzerland – a historic system change for homeowners, buyers and future property owners. The main winners are households with low mortgages and few maintenance deductions; those who may lose include highly indebted owners, renovators, second-home owners and, depending on interest rates, the public sector.

Updated: 20.07.2026
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Step by step

How the property-buying process works

A structured approach helps you assess costs and risks and understand the timeline from financing to the property handover.

1

Clarify your budget and affordability

Your equity, income, ongoing costs and long-term financing determine a realistic purchase budget.

2

Compare the location and property

Review the micro-location, transport links, building condition, floor plan and renovation requirements carefully.

3

Check the documents

Review the land register extract, plans, regulations, building condition and draft purchase agreement before making a binding commitment.

4

Complete the purchase and handover

Coordinate financing, notarisation, the land register entry, insurance and the property handover report.

Direct answers

Frequently asked questions about buying property

These answers provide initial guidance. Financial, legal and tax details may vary depending on your individual circumstances and canton.

4FAQ

For an owner-occupied home in Switzerland, buyers generally need around 20 percent equity. At least 10 percent of the lending value must come from funds that are not drawn from the occupational pension scheme.

Depending on the canton, additional costs may include notary fees, land register fees and property transfer tax. Financing expenses, insurance and renovation costs should also be included in the budget.

The financing should be clarified before you enter into a binding commitment and, at the latest, before signing the notarised purchase agreement. An early financing assessment also helps define a realistic purchase budget.

Important documents include the land register extract, plans, details of the building condition and renovations, easements and the draft purchase agreement. For condominium ownership, also review the regulations, meeting minutes and the renewal fund.

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Find the right property to buy

Compare houses and apartments across Switzerland and use our guides to prepare your purchase decision.

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Cached: 10/26/2026 4:00:21 PM