FAQs about investing in Swiss property

Table of Contents

Switzerland is yours  |   Investing in Swiss property  |  Contact Us

In these FAQs  we discuss purchasing whole apartment buildings as investments; if you just want to buy a vacation apartment, please go to the FAQs about buying Vacation Apartments for Foreigners .

  1. Swiss laws

• I heard there are laws restricting the purchase of Swiss real estate by foreigners. Is that true?
• What types of properties can I buy?
• What conditions must I fulfil to be allowed to  buy?
• I have heard that some types of purchases are illegal. What are they?

2. Types of property and prices

• What kinds of properties can I buy?
• What is an HLM?
• Tell me more about these buildings.
• Can you show me pictures of  typical HLM buildings?
• In what kinds of neighbourhoods are these buildings located?
• What kinds of tenants live in these buildings?
• Is the building already rented when I buy it?
• Is there a risk of vacancies in these buildings?
• What is the minimum investment required?
• How do the prices rate in the Swiss property market?
• What kind of income would such a building provide and what charges would it incur?
• How big is a square meter?
• I was offered a building of a different kind. Would it be legal for me to buy it?

3. Your investment: mortgages, taxes, returns, and performance

• What makes this investment so attractive?
• Tell me more about the public subsidies that are available?
• How long must I keep the building?
• How are the rents fixed?
• What about taxes and tax breaks?
• What is the typical size of such an investment?
• Can I get a mortgage?
• Can I buy the building by setting up an incorporated company?
• How can I remain anonymous?
• What would the cash yield be on such an investment?
• What overall return can I expect to make on my investment?
• Who buys this kind of investment?
• Are the conditions the same for Swiss and for foreigners?

4. Transactions, payment, red tape and security

• Explain the transaction process to me.
• Which permits do I need? How do I get them?
• How long does it take?
• When do I pay?
• Whom do I pay?
• I want to launder money. Can you help me?
• Can you buy something for me in your name?
• How can I be sure that everything is legal and  that I really am the owner?
• Can you take care of the paperwork and red tape?
• Are mortgages available? What conditions apply?
• Are there any other transaction fees that I will have to pay?

5. Managing your investment

• Who will take care of the building for me?
• I don't want to receive any mail in my country concerning this property. Can you arrange that?
• How often must I come to Switzerland?

6. When you want to sell

• Can I resell the building anytime?
• Can I sell the building to a foreigner or do I have to sell to a Swiss?
• What is the tax rate on capital gains?
• What happens to the building when I die?

7. Our services

• I'm afraid of the red tape and paperwork. Can you take care of that?
• Can you launder money or buy a building for me in your name?
• What other things can you arrange?
• I also want to invest some money in a private bank. Can you help me?
• Is there someone who speaks English - German - Spanish - French - Italian?

Switzerland is yours  |   Investing in Swiss property  |  Contact Us