Advice on buying Switzerland Property / Real Estate

You have found a Swiss property / real estate in Switzerland you wish to purchase what next?

Buying Property in Switzerland - Costs of Purchasing Property

Switzerland Real Estate Buyer's Guide explains the legal fees, legal procedures, purchase taxes and mortgage procedure.
Below are some brief points in purchasing property in Switzerland.

Can I buy Swiss property if I am not a resident?
It all depends. Non residents can buy vacation properties in touristic areas.
European Union citizens who are Swiss residents can buy real estate without restrictions. Other residents can buy one property in Switzerland for their own use.
There's a special permission to be asked if you want to buy a piece of land larger than 3000 m2.

Can I get a mortgage on real estate?
Yes. Foreigners can get between 60% and 80% of the house price or bank-appraised real estate value, whichever is lower.
Interest rates are usually very low (10 years average mortgage rates are below 5%).

What are the fees are associated with buying real estate in Switzerland?
When you buy Swiss land, an apartment or a house there are moving duties and a land tax to be paid.
These are usually payable by the buyer directly to the notary public.
The amount varies from canton to canton but usually it is around 4%.

How does the actual buying property in Switzerland process work?
It depends on the Swiss canton. In most cantons, once you have agreed on the terms with the seller or his real estate agent, arranged the financing if applicable and obtained your residence permit, you take an appointment with a local notary public.
This is a sworn officer whose responsibility it is to check that the transaction is legal and then to make it happen. He will check that the real estate seller really owns what is being sold, that you have the right to buy it and that you understand what you are buying. The money is paid to the notary and he releases it only when the change of ownership on the real estate has been properly registered.

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These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenario. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.

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