Swiss property, explained for expats
Practical guides on buying, financing and owning property in Switzerland as a foreigner.
Jul 13, 2026
Buying vs. Renting in Switzerland: What Expats Really Need to Weigh Up
Switzerland's rules on foreign ownership, financing and taxation make the buy-vs-rent decision more complex here than in most countries.
Read more →Jul 13, 2026
How Swiss Mortgage Affordability Is Calculated: The One-Third Rule Explained
A plain-English guide to how Swiss banks judge whether you can afford a property, and why the one-third rule matters.
Read more →Jul 13, 2026
The 20% Down-Payment Rule in Switzerland: How Much Equity Do You Really Need?
Swiss lenders generally require 20% equity for a mortgage, but the real number depends on your funds' source and other costs.
Read more →Jul 13, 2026
Lex Koller Explained: How Your Swiss Residence Permit Affects Your Right to Buy Property
A plain-English guide to how Switzerland's Lex Koller law treats B, C, L and G permit holders differently when buying property.
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