Buying a house in Switzerland

As of 2021, 36 percent of people in Switzerland owned their own house. Buying a house in Switzerland is a complex process that requires thorough research in order to find the perfect home for your needs and secure financing, but it is open to international residents, as long as they have the right kind of residence permit. Many expats and locals are therefore now buying houses after several years of renting.

The guides in this section look at the process of buying a house in Switzerland, from securing a mortgage to exchanging contracts and getting your keys. 

Purchasing property in Switzerland

Any person who is a Swiss citizen or possesses a B- or C-residence permit can purchase property in Switzerland. The cost of property remains expensive, with large differences between purchasing property in rural areas compared with cities. As of 2024, average prices per square metre of floor space range from 3.870 Swiss francs in rural areas to up to 13.000 Swiss francs in city centres. Despite this, many expats are choosing to purchase properties, as they are strong and sustainable investments.

Checklist for buying a house in Switzerland

When you are thinking of buying a house, there are several factors that you must consider before you start looking. Be sure to plan your finances, taking into account whether buying a house would be financially beneficial for you, as well as finding out what additional costs may be involved. 

You'll need to consider:

• Where to buy in Switzerland: Most people choose to settle in cities, but you may want to consider other factors such as the cost of properties, the stability of the local housing market, and the proximity of schools, public transport and other amenities
• Financial, mortgage and residency requirements: To purchase a home as an expat in Switzerland, you'll need at least a B residence permit. You'll also need to consider whether you can afford the mortgage payments, as well as the taxes and fees associated with buying a house, alongside your other spending commitments like health insurance and taxes. 
• Utilities: Once you purchase your own home, you'll be responsible for setting up and paying for your own utilities. 
• Registering yourself: When you change address, you'll also have to inform your local council (Gemeinde) of your move. 

Real estate agents in Switzerland

In your search for the perfect property, there are numerous real estate agents in Switzerland who will assist you in finding the right one. Real estate agents have a strong knowledge of the surrounding area and will be able to give you advice and guidance as to where you should be looking and what houses are best for you. Many services are also provided in English.

Mortgage brokers in Switzerland

Instead of going directly to a bank, many homebuyers consult with a mortgage advisor before applying for a mortgage. These experts can offer advice on where to purchase mortgages for expats, as well as finding packages tailored to your specific needs.

Mortgages in Switzerland

Many Swiss people save up for most of their lives in order to afford the taxes, costs and fees involved in buying property. On top of this, most people need to apply for a mortgage in Switzerland to help finance their home purchase. Before you consider buying a house, it is important to see if you fulfil the basic requirements for a mortgage. You should also learn more about the process of applying for a mortgage, and the types of mortgages on offer in Switzerland. 

Taxes, fees and incentives

When you are considering buying a house, you need to take into account the fact that the government in Bern and your local canton will levy various taxes, costs and fees that you will need to cover. These are typically long-term costs associated with owning a house, with many cantons having their own property and rental value taxes. You'll need to factor these into your long-term financial plan. 

Top tips for buying a house in Switzerland

When you are searching for your ideal home, it is important that you choose the right one for your needs. You will be spending a lot of time in your new home, so here are some top tips for finding the right one for you:

• Check whether you are eligible for a mortgage by consulting the information above, speaking with your bank, or talking to a mortgage broker.
• The majority of Swiss cantons require homeowners to take out some form of home insurance, so be sure to see what local rules apply before buying the property.
• Make sure to get in touch with your real estate agent directly, as they may have new properties that have not been made publicly available.
• Bear in mind the “number of rooms system” for Switzerland. One room counts as a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom and lounge, whereas five rooms count as laundry rooms, bathrooms and storage rooms. Balconies typically do not count towards a property’s size.
• Be sure to ask as many questions as you want, as your real estate agent should know a lot about the local area.
• Take your time when viewing and only look at two to four properties in a day.
• Calculate the cost of any renovations you might want to do.
• Be sure to take as many pictures as possible and bring a measuring tape to see if your furniture will fit.
• Although most Swiss houses come unfurnished, you can ask whether the seller will include the furniture in the sale for an increased price.