Switzerland
What do I need to know when buying property in Switzerland?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Switzerland, they said...
"1. You need to be aware that completing a purchase of real estate in Switzerland involves a complex process that includes registration at a country register office in each canton in which the property is located. 2. It is important to obtain accurate legal and financial advice from a lawyer and an accountant before proceeding with the purchase. 3. You will require a valid residence permit to buy in Switzerland and foreigners may need to obtain additional permits. 4. Taxes and fees related to property purchases vary according to canton and municipality, so it is important to obtain pricing figures before making a purchase. 5. The mortgage process in Switzerland is very different to that in many other countries and is based on Swiss laws, rather than the lender assessing the borrower’s creditworthiness. Only Swiss banks or lenders supervised by FINMA can provide mortgages in Switzerland. 6. It is possible to rent out Swiss property so long as the landlord complies with local regulations that may limit occupancy and the amount of rent that can be charged," wrote a member who made the move to Switzerland.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Switzerland?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Switzerland?
- Will I be able to find a job in Switzerland?
- What is life like in Switzerland?
- What do expats in Switzerland appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Switzerland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Switzerland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Switzerland like?
- What are healthcare services like in Switzerland?
- What are medical services in Switzerland like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Switzerland?
- What are emergency services like in Switzerland?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Switzerland?
- How are local medical facilities in Switzerland?
- As a foreigner living in Switzerland, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know when buying property in Switzerland?
If you live in Switzerland, newcomers to Switzerland would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
