Review & Purchase
In 13 Steps to Homeownership: The Path from Viewing to Land Registry
From the first viewing to notarization: This guide takes you through 13 steps to homeownership and shows what’s important regarding financing and comparing interest rates.
hypothek.ch
23.06.2026
4 min
Buying your own home is one of the largest financial transactions in most people’s lives, and it rarely takes just a few days. Between the moment a property is first viewed and the moment the notary enters the change of ownership in the land registry, there is a whole series of stages that build on each other. If you know the process, you keep track of things and make the far-reaching decisions with the lead time you need. The following guide takes you step by step through the path to homeownership, from the first viewing to the notarization.
1. View the property
The process starts with viewing the desired property. This is where you get a direct impression of the condition of the object, the location, and the surroundings. It's your opportunity to ask questions and check those details that make all the difference in your purchase decision.
2. Express interest
If the property meets your expectations, you express your interest to the seller or agent. This step is usually informal. It signals that you are seriously considering making an offer.
3. Make a purchase offer
After expressing your interest comes the written purchase offer. It should be well thought out, as it forms the basis for further negotiations.
4. Obtain financing confirmation, if necessary
In some cases, the seller will ask for a financing confirmation even with the purchase offer. This confirms that the financial means for the purchase are in place and that affordability has been checked. Usually, you obtain such confirmation from your bank. An independent financing partner can also issue it after reviewing your documents.
5. Receive acceptance
If you receive the acceptance, your offer has been accepted. From this point on, the purchase terms are finalized.
6. Sign reservation agreement
Often the next step is signing a reservation agreement, which reserves the property for you in a binding way. A reservation fee is common, and it is later deducted from the purchase price.
7. Mortgage: Compare interest rates
Before you commit to a lender, you should definitely get a comparison of interest rates. The Swiss market includes a large number of providers, and the terms and conditions vary considerably. Even a small difference in the interest rate will add up to significant amounts over the term of a mortgage. You can obtain and compare offers yourself, or you can use a broker who compares the offers from several lenders and negotiates for you. The most important thing is not to accept the first offer you receive, but to create a solid basis for comparison.
8. Decision for an offer
Now you make a binding decision for a lender. You also choose the product, such as a SARON or a fixed-rate mortgage, as well as the term.
9. Open an account with the lender
Once the lender is chosen, you open an account with them. This account is used for depositing your equity and for making interest payments. In most cases, account management is free of charge.
10. Transfer of equity capital
The equity capital is transferred to the account with the lender. If applicable, advance withdrawals from the second and third pillars are also made at this stage.
11. Signing the loan agreements
The loan agreements for the mortgage are drawn up and signed by both parties. With this, the mortgage is formally concluded and fixed.
12. Preparation of payment promise
The lender issues an irrevocable payment promise. This legally assures the seller that the purchase price is financed and that the financing bank will make the payment after notarization and transfer of ownership.
13. Notarization date and transfer of ownership
Finally, the purchase contract is notarized. At this appointment, all relevant documents are signed and the purchase becomes legally binding. The notary ensures the registration of the change of ownership in the land registry. Notarization and transfer of ownership do not necessarily have to happen at the same time—they can also take place at different times, for example, three months later.
With notarization and transfer of ownership, the purchase process is complete, and you may officially consider yourself the owner of your new property. Each of the steps described contributes to making the purchase as smooth and secure as possible. Those who plan early and especially compare financing options thoroughly will not only have a smoother process, but often also a noticeable financial advantage.
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