Property for Sale in Switzerland

Foreign nationals are allowed to buy residential property in Switzerland, although there are restrictions on the location and type of property that can be purchased.

EU/EFTA nationals who hold a Residence Permit B and all foreign nationals with a Residence Permit C can buy any number of properties in Switzerland, although special cantonal approval is required to buy a property which exceeds 3,000m2 in size.

Other foreign nationals are only allowed to buy a holiday home or investment property in a few cantons of Switzerland if approval is given, and this is subject to a quota of 1,440 foreign purchases each year.

Most cantons and all the main cities totally do not allow non-resident foreign nationals to purchase property at all. Investment properties which are available for purchase by non-residents are low-rental apartments which are tied to below-market rental prices for 20 years.

To encourage foreign investment in this rental market, special benefits are offered such as tax breaks, lower rents and government subsidies. Foreigners buying holiday homes or investment properties are only allowed to live in the properties themselves for three months at a time, and for a maximum of six months in any year.