FAQs about buying a vacation property in Switzerland

Table of Contents

Switzerland is yours  | Buying apartments for foreigners  |  Contact Us

These FAQs are about foreigners purchasing vacation apartments in Switzerland.
If you want to invest in apartment buildings please go to the FAQs about investing in Swiss property.

  1. Laws and permits

• I have heard there are laws restricting the purchase of Swiss real estate by foreigners. Is that true?
• What conditions must I fulfil to be allowed to buy?
• In which areas can I buy?
• Can I buy an apartment in Geneva ? In Lausanne? In Zurich ?
• Can I rent an apartment without a special permit?
• I have heard something about illegal purchases. Tell me about these.

2. Types of properties and prices

• What kinds of properties can I buy?
• What is a PE?
• What is a time-share apartment - or apparthotel?
• What is the price range of apartments?
• What is happening in the Swiss property market?
• How do you count the rooms?
• How big is a square meter?
• I want something new.
• Will my property come with a cellar - a garage - a nuclear shelter?

3. General questions about Swiss security

• What is the best location for me?
• How can I get around? Are there trains, buses, taxis? Can I drive?
• I don't speak French - German - Italian.
• Is it safe to walk on the streets unarmed?
• Is it safe to go out at night?
• Are there neighborhoods I should avoid?
• Am I likely to be shot?
• Is there any risk of burglary?

4. The transaction, payment and red tape

• Explain the transaction process to me.
• 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?
• When can I move into the apartment?
• How can I be sure that everything is legal and  I really am the owner?
• Can you take care of the paperwork and red tape?
• Can I pay in several instalments?
• Are mortgages available?
• Am I liable for any other fees during this transaction?

5. You and property

• I don't want to receive any mail in my country concerning this property. Can you arrange that?
• Is there someone to take care of the apartment when I'm not there?
• Are there annual condominium charges?
• Are there local taxes to pay each year?
• What about condominium co-owners' annual meetings?
• I don't have any furniture in this apartment. Can you arrange something for me?
• Are there many burglaries in Switzerland?
• Can I rent the apartment out?

6. When you want to leave

• Can I resell the apartment?
• Can I resell to a foreigner or must I resell to a Swiss?
• What is the tax rate on capital gains?
• What happens to the apartment when I die?

7. Our services

• I'm afraid of the red tape and paperwork. Can you take care of it?
• Can you arrange a residential (B) permit or Swiss citizenship for me?
• Can you launder money or buy the apartment in your name?
• What else can you arrange?
• Is there someone who speaks English - German - Spanish - French - Italian ?

Switzerland is yours  | Buying apartments for foreigners  |  Contact Us