Switzerland is known for its beauty, stability, and a favorable banking and tax system. The property market is trusted and known for its stable growth over the last 40 years. We offer a professional and personal boutique service that caters to the precise needs of our private clients. Acting on behalf of our clients, we manage the search, negotiation, and acquisition of property within Switzerland. Furthermore we setup and manage all services linked to the search, purchase, and ownership of private residential property.
Acquisition of residential real estate by foreigners not resident in Switzerland
Normally all foreigners who wish to acquire Swiss residential real estate must obtain approval prior to their purchase, which will otherwise be invalid. Such approval is relatively difficult to obtain. A foreigner may be authorised to purchase a holiday home in a place designated by the respective cantonal authorities as a holiday resort. Every authorisation must be deducted from the annual quota assigned to the cantons by the Federal government for holiday homes and hotel condominium units. The cantons and communities may apply their own restrictions which may be even more stringent and include personal usage time, using the property as an investment, and living space limits. Furthermore foreigners may only purchase property under their own name, and under no circumstances by a company. These regulations are known as the Lex Koller law.
Full Exemption to the above foreign owner restrictions
Recently a very unique exemption to the Lex Koller law has been granted by the Federal government. Lex Koller is the law that normally restricts foreign (non-Swiss resident) ownership of property in Switzerland. Due to the exemption there is now a single area in Switzerland that is not affected by any of the above, and it is the only place where property can be purchased through a trust, foundation, or company of any kind. The total investment plan for this area is CHF 1.8 billion and includes a fully redeveloped and master-planned community that meets the highest Swiss standards.
It is important to note that many of our private clients desire strict confidentiality during their property acquisitions. From this we have developed an excellent track-record of discreetly concluding very high profile purchases without any press or media attention. Our trusted network helps make this happen, and also gives us access to unique properties that are offered to us on a confidential basis before they appear on the market. Our strong relationship with leading real-estate agents put us in the unique position to secure the best properties at the right prices for our clients.
If you are interested in buying real estate in Switzerland, we invite you to submit your selection criteria to us. Your details will be handled with the strictest confidentiality and will only be used to find the property you are looking for on the basis of your individual requirements and preferences.
To find out more about the possibilities of residence and business opportunities in Switzerland, contact Henley & Partners. Through our offices in Zurich and Zug, we are best positioned to advise and assist you with all matters regarding Switzerland.
