Buying property in Switzerland: Complete guide 2025

How to buy property in Switzerland in 2025? Rules, financing, taxes, and advice for residents and foreigners.

introduction

Buying property in Switzerland remains a large but also complex project. The market is highly competitive, prices are high, and regulations are strict, especially for foreigners. However, economic stability and the scarcity of real estate make real estate a safe investment.

In this 2025 guide, we explain:

• Who can buy in Switzerland?

• How to finance your acquisition

• What taxes and tax regulations can be expected?

• The differences between buying in Switzerland and abroad

The Swiss real estate market in 2025

Swiss real estate prices will continue to be among the highest in Europe in 2025. In major cities (Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, Basel), prices often exceed CHF 12,000/m². Mortgage interest rates will stabilize between 2.5% and 3%, which will have a direct impact on purchasing power.

Expert summary : The Swiss real estate market will remain tight in 2025, with high prices, stable mortgage rates and strong demand, especially in urban areas.

Who can buy property in Switzerland?

Residents and citizens of Switzerland

• Swiss citizens : free shopping without restrictions.

• C-permit : same rights as a Swiss citizen.

• Driving license B : Acquisition of a main residence possible under certain conditions.

Non-resident aliens

• Lex Koller : Restricts the purchase of second homes.

• Exceptions for certain holiday accommodations in tourist resorts (Verbier, Zermatt, Crans-Montana).

• Purchase of merchandise permitted without restriction.

Important steps for a successful purchase in Switzerland

1. Define your budget

• Minimum deposit: 20% of the purchase price (including 10% excluding 2nd pillar).

• Additional costs: expect 3% to 5% (notary, registration, transfer taxes).

2. Obtain financing

• Mortgage types: fixed-rate, variable-rate, SARON .

• Mortgage burden ≤ 33% of gross income .

• Possible mobilization of the 2nd and 3rd pillars to complete the contribution.

3. Find the ideal property

• Platforms: Homegate, Immoscout24, Comparis.

• Local agencies and specialized brokers.

4. Sign and register the certificate

• Written offer: already legally binding.

• Signing at the notary → entry in the land register.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying in Switzerland

Advantages	Disadvantages
Economic and legal stability	Very high prices
Asset security	Restricted access for foreigners
Long-term sustainable value	Complex taxation (rental value, real estate profit)

Taxes and expected costs

• Transfer taxes : 1% to 3%, depending on the canton.

• Rental value tax for owner-occupiers.

• Property tax on the tax value of the property.

• Tax on real estate profits upon resale (decreasing tax depending on length of ownership).

Buy in Switzerland or abroad?

Buying in Switzerland

• Stability, legal certainty, solid financial position. – High prices, restrictive taxation.

Purchase abroad

• Often more attractive prices (France, Spain, Portugal, Italy).

• Rental yields are sometimes higher. Tax risks, exchange rate fluctuations, and variable legal frameworks.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy a house in Switzerland with a B permit? Yes, but only as a primary residence. The purchase of second homes is restricted by the Lex Koller law.

What is the required minimum equity contribution? 20% of the property price is required, with at least 10% coming from equity outside the second pillar.

What taxes are levied on real estate purchases in Switzerland? Transfer tax (1–3%), notary fees, rental value tax, and capital gains tax upon resale.

Can a foreigner without residency in Switzerland buy a property? Yes, but only certain vacation homes in tourist areas and subject to quotas.

Diploma

Buying property in Switzerland will remain a challenging project in 2025, but it offers stability and value. Prerequisites for success include forward-looking financing planning, understanding the regulations, and comparing mortgage offers.

👉 On Facilimmo.ch you will find our practical guides for buying, investing or selling real estate in Switzerland and abroad .

Update

🔄 This article is regularly updated to reflect developments in the Swiss real estate market (last updated: September 2025).