Buying a second home in Switzerland offers the opportunity to enjoy the Alpine landscapes and the stability of the country. However, the Lex Koller law limits this purchase to Swiss residents and foreigners only in certain holiday areas. These areas include ski resorts like Verbier and towns like Montreux and Lugano, with size restrictions of 200 square meters for properties purchased by non-residents.
In Montreux, for example, you can find apartments starting from 1.4 million CHF. A notable exception is the Andermatt station, where foreigners can buy and sell freely. Hotel residences are another option, exempt from the restrictions of the Lex Koller but with specific rules of use.
The restrictions of the Lex Koller law
- Law on the acquisition of real estate: The Lex Koller regulates the purchase of real estate in Switzerland, limiting the acquisition to Swiss citizens and residents with a B or C residence permit.
- Designated holiday areas: Non-residents can purchase property only in specified holiday areas, mainly in certain ski resorts and regions around Montreux and Lugano.
- Size limits: Properties for non-residents are limited to 200 square meters of living space and approximately 1,000 square meters of land. For buyers wanting more space, it is possible to purchase properties legally divided into multiple apartments.
Options and restrictions for buyers
- Rentals and resales: Properties purchased as vacation homes can be rented for only 10 months per year and cannot be resold at a profit for five years.
- Choice of location: Non-residents mainly focus on the ski resorts of the Alps and areas around lakes, such as Montreux and Lugano, to take advantage of international activities and schools.
Example properties
- In Montreux, apartments and houses with lake views are available between CHF 1.4 million and CHF 1.8 million.
- In Verbier, a popular ski resort, a five-bedroom chalet is on sale for CHF 8.3 million.
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