Buying
Buying a property in Switzerland
Choosing a primary residence means finding your stable home, a place where you can build your everyday life with serenity and comfort. A secondary residence, on the other hand, is the ideal home for your moments of relaxation, a retreat for holidays or weekends.
Primary residence
Your permanent residence in Switzerland: comfort, security and quality of life in a truly unique setting.
Secondary residence
A secondary residence offers you flexibility: holidays or temporary stays, with the freedom to experience Switzerland according to your needs.
Commercial / Investment
Real estate opportunities for those seeking long-term value and returns, supported by the strength of the Swiss market.
Primary residence
A primary residence is your main home, the place where you build your everyday life, and can be purchased without special restrictions if you are a resident of the country.
If you are an EU/EFTA citizen residing in Switzerland, you have the same rights as Swiss citizens and do not require any special authorizations.
If you live in Switzerland with a B permit, you can purchase your primary residence (or the land to build it on), provided that you live in it personally and do not rent it out.
With a C permit, you enjoy almost complete freedom, just like Swiss citizens.
Secondary residence
Your holiday, weekend, or temporary home in Switzerland: a retreat surrounded by nature, relaxation, and quality of life. It can be purchased under specific rules, which vary depending on the canton and your residency status.
In Switzerland, a secondary residence is a property that is not used as a primary home, nor for professional or educational purposes. These are therefore homes primarily intended for holidays, weekends, or, in some cases, rented out to third parties.
Current regulations limit the construction of new secondary residences in municipalities where their proportion exceeds 20%. In such cases, new permits are only granted under very specific conditions.
How to buy
With us, you always get the right guidance to navigate the different ways of purchasing property in Switzerland. We guide you step by step, helping you choose the solution that best suits your needs.
Direct sale
The most common way to purchase a home.
The buyer obtains a bank loan, signs the purchase contract, and immediately becomes the owner of the property.
- 80% Bank financing
- 20% Own capital:
- 10% Cash (personal savings)
- 10% Second pillar (occupational pension)
For example, if the property costs CHF 1 million, the bank provides CHF 800,000 in financing.
Your personal savings must amount to CHF 100,000, as must the withdrawal from the second pillar.
Right of first refusal
The price of the property is agreed upon from the start, a deposit (usually 10%) is paid, and a deadline (e.g., 12 months) is set to complete the purchase. The deposit serves as a contractual penalty, which the buyer will forfeit if they do not exercise the right of first refusal.
- 10% Initial deposit
- 90% Balance to be paid by the agreed deadline
For example, if the property costs CHF 1 million, the initial deposit must be CHF 100,000.
The remaining amount is paid upon exercising the right of first refusal.
Rent to buy
The future buyer pays an initial deposit (5%-10%) and a monthly rent.
A portion of the rent paid can be credited toward the final purchase price.
- 5%-10% Initial deposit
- Agreed monthly rent for a set period (e.g., 2–3 years)
- At the end of the period: Option to purchase the property, deducting a portion of the rent already paid
For example, if the property costs CHF 1 million, the initial deposit ranges between CHF 50,000 and CHF 100,000.
The remaining amount is paid at the end of the rent-to-buy period, after deducting the rent already credited.
How can we help you?
Every inquiry matters. Contact us with no obligation.
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Phone
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Address
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6900 Lugano
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6900 Lugano
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