Switzerland: buying property
The full process in 6 steps: the taxes you pay, what each stage costs and how long it takes (~90 days on average). Free guide, no account needed.
Process steps
1
Check Lex Koller eligibility before anything else
⏱ 1-2 weeks · 💰 €0-1,500
2
Agree price and sign the reservation agreement
⏱ 1-2 days · 💰 €0-2,000
3
Notary drafts the deed — public notarisation is mandatory
⏱ 2-4 weeks · 💰 0.1-0.5%
4
Both parties sign before the notary
⏱ 1 day · 💰 included
5
Pay Handänderungssteuer where the canton levies it
⏱ within 30 days · 💰 0-3.3%
6
Entry in the Grundbuch (land register)
⏱ 2-6 weeks · 💰 0.1-0.5%
Taxes & fees
transfer tax
0-3.3% (cantonal, none in ZH/ZG/SZ/UR/GL/SH)
notary fee
0.1-0.5%
land register
0.1-0.5%
agent fee
~2.5% + VAT
⚠️ Informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed local lawyer.
Check what a property here is actually worthOpen the free valuation