Luxury Property For Sale in Switzerland​

Yes, foreigners can buy property in Switzerland, but only under specific conditions—and not everywhere. If you don’t live in the country full-time, your options are limited to certain areas that the government has approved for holiday home ownership. The canton of Vaud, which includes popular destinations around Lake Geneva such as Montreux, Vevey, and parts of Lausanne, is one of the most accessible regions for foreign buyers.

Swiss law, known as Lex Koller, controls foreign ownership to keep the local housing market stable. As a result, non-residents can’t just buy property wherever they like. For example, it’s not possible to purchase a holiday home in the city of Geneva itself without Swiss residency. But in designated resort zones along Lake Geneva, buying a luxury apartment or villa as a second home is entirely legal and often surprisingly straightforward.

There are rules around property size and usage, and the number of homes available to foreign buyers is capped each year. That’s why it’s important to work with someone who knows the system well. Done properly, buying a holiday home here isn’t difficult—it just requires the right local knowledge.

If you’re not a Swiss resident, you’re still allowed to buy property in specific areas—particularly holiday homes in designated resort zones. The Lake Geneva region, especially towns like Montreux, Vevey, and parts of Lausanne, is one of the few places in Switzerland where foreigners can legally purchase high-end property for vacation use without holding a Swiss residence permit.

These aren’t second-tier homes. On the contrary, many of the most desirable lakefront villas and luxury apartments fall into this category. These properties are typically used as second homes, but they offer the same high standard of architecture, comfort, and location as full-time residences. Views of the Alps, proximity to the lake, and access to fine dining, international schools, and cultural events make this part of Switzerland particularly attractive.

Non-residents aren’t allowed to buy primary residences, agricultural land, or commercial property, and there are often size and usage restrictions to be aware of. For instance, the living space for foreign-owned properties is usually capped around 200 square metres, though that can vary.

Even with these limits, the range of available properties in the Lake Geneva area is exceptional. Whether you’re looking for a sleek apartment with panoramic lake views or a peaceful villa tucked into the hillside, there are plenty of outstanding options that meet the legal criteria for foreign buyers.

That depends entirely on the kind of property you’re after and where it’s located. If you’re buying a second home in a tourist-designated area like Crans-Montana, Verbier, or Lugano, and you plan to use it for holidays, then no, you don’t need a Swiss residence permit. Non-residents are allowed to purchase such properties under Switzerland’s foreign ownership laws, as long as the canton has available quotas.

However, if you’re looking to buy a home where you can live full-time or if the property is outside the allowed zones, then yes, you’ll need a residence permit. The Swiss government is careful about who can own primary residences because these properties are considered part of the country’s limited housing supply for locals and long-term residents.

It’s also worth noting that having a residence permit opens more doors. With one, you’re not bound to tourist areas, and you can usually buy property to live in year-round. That said, getting a residence permit comes with its own set of rules and depends on your nationality, reason for moving, and financial standing.

It depends on what kind of lifestyle you want. If you’re drawn to the Alps and skiing is your thing, then places like Verbier, Gstaad, and Zermatt are at the top of the list. These mountain resorts have long attracted international buyers for their combination of privacy, charm, and direct access to world-class slopes. Gstaad, in particular, is known for its low-key celebrity appeal and strict development controls, which keep the market exclusive.

For lakeside living with cultural flair, the Lake Geneva region—especially Montreux, Lausanne, and the vineyards of Lavaux—is a favorite. The views are breathtaking, and the region has a strong international community, excellent schools, and easy access to Geneva Airport. It’s perfect for those who want a mix of leisure and connectivity.

Ticino, in the south, offers a completely different atmosphere. It feels more Mediterranean, thanks to its Italian influence and sunny climate. Locarno and Lugano are the main hotspots there, appealing to buyers who want a laid-back lifestyle but still appreciate fine design and high-end amenities.

Each region has its own strengths. Some buyers are drawn to the mountains for sport and solitude, while others prefer lake towns with more cultural events, restaurants, and shopping. The good news is, whichever lifestyle you’re after, there’s a part of Switzerland that fits.

Buying property in Switzerland comes with extra costs beyond the purchase price, but nothing out of the ordinary if you’re familiar with European markets. The total transaction costs typically fall between 3% and 5% of the property’s value, depending on the canton. These costs usually include the notary’s fee, land registry fee, and a property transfer tax.

The notary handles the legal side of the sale, including preparing and recording the contract. In Switzerland, it’s common for the buyer to cover these costs. The transfer tax is applied by the canton or sometimes the municipality, and the rate can vary quite a bit. For example, in Vaud, it’s around 3.3%, while in Geneva it’s closer to 4.5%.

Once the property is yours, there are annual ownership costs to consider as well. These can include local property taxes, wealth tax (if you’re a Swiss tax resident), and maintenance fees. If it’s part of a building or resort, shared expenses like snow clearing, security, or upkeep of communal areas might be charged monthly.

Switzerland doesn’t charge capital gains tax for individuals unless you’re selling as a business or flipping quickly, but that’s subject to cantonal rules. The tax side can get detailed, so many buyers choose to consult a local accountant early on.

Switzerland’s real estate market is known for being steady, not spectacular. Prices don’t spike quickly, but they rarely crash either. That’s part of the appeal for investors who are looking for safety and reliability rather than fast growth. The country’s political stability, strong currency, and careful regulation keep things in check and tend to attract long-term buyers.

One key reason for this stability is the government’s tight control over who can buy and where. These restrictions prevent overheated demand and help avoid the kind of boom-and-bust cycles you see in other markets. Property is often passed down through generations, and speculative buying is discouraged by law and culture.

Certain areas—like Verbier, Gstaad, and parts of Lake Geneva—do see steady price increases, especially because supply is so limited. When new properties come on the market in these areas, they’re often snapped up quickly. In short, you’re unlikely to see dramatic returns overnight, but it’s a safe place to put your money if your goal is long-term value, security, and use of the property.