The purchase price is only part of the total budget. Several costs are added to it, and their amount depends heavily on the canton and the municipality: it is essential to enquire locally before working out your final budget.
Costs generally due when buying
- Transfer duties (tax on the transfer of ownership), levied by the canton and sometimes the municipality
- Land register fees, for registering the ownership
- Notary fees, for drawing up the deed of sale
- Costs of creating or transferring a mortgage note, where applicable
- Any brokerage fees, if an intermediary acted for the buyer
These costs are generally expressed as percentage points of the purchase price, but the exact rates vary significantly from one canton to another — sometimes also depending on whether it is a main residence or not. Always ask your notary or the relevant land registry office for a precise estimate before signing.
Financing
Swiss banks generally require a minimum down payment and check that housing costs (notional interest, amortisation, maintenance) remain affordable relative to income. These rules can vary from one institution to another: compare several financing offers before committing.
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