Step by Step to Your Own Home: The Roadmap for Buyers

Buying a property in Switzerland is a structured process that often takes several months. From the initial budget planning to the final handover of the keys, there are crucial milestones you should know about. Here is your detailed 10-step roadmap.

1. Determine your financial scope

Before browsing portals, you need to know your maximum purchasing power. Calculate your own funds (at least 20%, of which 10% must be 'hard' equity) and check affordability. An initial confirmation from your bank on the general viability of financing is your most important tool for later negotiations.

2. Targeted search and pre-selection

Not every property that looks good online fits your lifestyle. Create a set of criteria (location, fit-out standard, local tax rate). Use search subscriptions to be immediately informed about new listings.

3. Professional viewing

During the viewing, don't just check the appearance. Pay attention to the condition of the heating, roof, and windows. For older properties, it makes sense to involve an expert to assess the need for renovation, as these costs can affect your financing.

4. Purchase commitment and financing confirmation

If you have found your dream property, submit a written offer to purchase. At the same time, have your bank assess the property (hedonic valuation). Only when the bank has confirmed the purchase price will you receive the irrevocable financing commitment.

5. Finalizing the mortgage and formalities

Once you have the commitment, you choose the appropriate mortgage model (fixed-rate, SARON, or a mix). In this step, the loan contracts are signed. In addition, the formalities for the collateralisation must be clarified: existing mortgage notes are checked, new ones are created, or existing paper mortgage notes are converted into register mortgage notes. The pledging of pension assets (pillar 3a or pension fund) is also finalised administratively here.

6. Reservation agreement and down payment

To take the property off the market, a reservation agreement is usually signed. At this point, a down payment is due, which will later be deducted from the purchase price. Make sure that the conditions for a refund of the deposit (if the purchase fails) are clearly regulated.

7. Drafting the purchase agreement

A notary (depending on the canton, chosen by the buyer or the seller) drafts the purchase agreement. Here, details such as the handover date, the takeover of encumbrances, and the splitting of fees are set. Review this draft carefully or have it checked legally.

8. Securing the capital gains tax on property

This is a critical step: Make sure the contract ensures payment of the real estate capital gains tax by the seller (e.g. by direct deposit to the tax office), so that you are not liable for someone else's tax debts.

9. Public notarization

Buyer, seller, and notary meet to sign. The notary reads out the contract and certifies the signatures. At this point, the bank already has the payment commitment, which guarantees the payment of the purchase price.

10. Transfer of ownership and handover of keys

The official transfer of 'benefit and risk' usually takes place on the day of moving in. The notary notifies the land registry of the change of ownership. Draft a detailed handover protocol when the keys are handed over to record the condition of the property.