Luxury Property For Sale in The Swiss Alps​

Yes, but not everywhere and not without conditions. Switzerland places limits on non-resident foreign buyers through what’s known as the Lex Koller law. The short version is this: as a non-Swiss national living abroad, you can buy a second home or holiday property in specific areas that are officially designated as tourist zones. These are typically resort towns in the Alps, like Verbier or Crans-Montana.

However, the rules aren’t the same in every canton. Each region controls the number of permits it issues to foreign buyers annually, and some towns may reach their quota early. Also, properties available to foreigners are usually capped in size — generally around 200 square metres of living space — and you can’t just buy anything on the market. If you’re looking to purchase a chalet with five bedrooms and a spa, you’ll need to double-check whether it qualifies under the local restrictions.

The key is working with someone who is familiar with the specific laws of the area you’re interested in. A property may be technically for sale, but that doesn’t mean a foreigner is allowed to buy it.

Foreigners are generally allowed to purchase second homes or holiday properties, but there are restrictions on the type of properties they can buy. You won’t be able to pick up a sprawling estate in a small rural village, or a primary residence in Zurich, unless you’re already living in Switzerland full-time with residency status.

In the Alps, what’s typically available to non-residents includes chalets and apartments located in designated resort areas. Many are part of luxury developments, often featuring amenities such as spas, concierge services, and ski-in/ski-out access. These types of properties are often pre-approved for foreign ownership, which eliminates some of the guesswork from the process.

However, even in these zones, size caps usually apply. Properties over a certain square metre limit — often around 200m² — require special permission, and getting that green light isn’t guaranteed. In some cantons, larger units are simply off-limits to foreign buyers unless they’re divided into smaller, individually titled units.

Additionally, developers in popular resorts sometimes set aside a number of units specifically for foreign buyers, which are often snapped up quickly. So while there are options, the pool is smaller than you might expect. Planning ahead and acting quickly when something suitable appears is key.

You don’t absolutely need one, but having a Swiss bank account makes everything smoother and, in some cases, it’s expected. When purchasing property in Switzerland, the payment process typically involves a notary. All funds, including the purchase price, taxes, and fees, must be deposited in advance. Many sellers and notaries are more comfortable if those funds are coming from a Swiss bank, particularly if you’re paying in Swiss francs.

Opening a Swiss account also helps with ongoing expenses, such as utility bills, local taxes, insurance, and any maintenance costs. Many service providers prefer or require payments from a local account, and handling currency conversions every time you pay a bill can be a hassle — especially if you’re not in the country.

That said, opening a Swiss bank account as a non-resident has become more difficult in recent years due to increased financial regulations. The process is still possible, but you will be required to provide detailed financial documents and undergo a due diligence process. It’s smart to get this step sorted early, ideally before you’ve made an offer on a property.

Yes, it’s possible to get a mortgage from a Swiss bank as a foreign buyer, but it depends heavily on your financial profile and the type of property you’re buying. In general, banks are willing to finance up to 50 or 60 percent of the property’s value for non-residents. You’ll need to put down the rest as a deposit.

The process is more rigorous than in some other countries. Banks will want a full picture of your financial situation which includes income, assets, liabilities, and even tax declarations in your home country. If you’re self-employed or earn income in a non-Swiss currency, expect closer scrutiny.

It’s also worth noting that the property itself needs to meet certain criteria. For example, it must be eligible for foreign ownership and located in a tourist-approved area. Some banks may not lend on properties with shared ownership structures or those with heavy restrictions on rental use.

Interest rates in Switzerland are typically lower than in many other countries, which can make financing attractive, even if you could afford to buy outright. But the paperwork is more demanding, so give yourself time and work with a lender who understands cross-border transactions.

If everything goes smoothly, expect the process to take anywhere from one to three months. But that’s assuming all the paperwork is in order and you’re buying in a location that welcomes foreign buyers. If a permit is required, and it often is, that step alone can add several weeks.

Once you’ve agreed on a price and signed a reservation contract, the notary will prepare the sale documents. If you’re not physically in Switzerland, you can sign by proxy, which is common for overseas buyers. However, if you’re using financing, the timeline can stretch depending on how quickly your mortgage is approved.

In tourist zones, buying tends to be faster, especially if the property is already authorised for foreign ownership. In more restrictive cantons or areas where quotas are tight, things can slow down, not due to legal complexity, but because of waiting for a slot to become available or obtaining approval from the cantonal authorities.

Working with a notary and agent who regularly deals with international clients can speed things up. They’ll know exactly what documents you’ll need and when, helping you avoid delays that could otherwise stall the process.