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Switzerland Real Estate - Investing In a Great Lifestyle Move


Switzerland is more directed at the high-end traveler. This is especially true when investing in Switzerland real estate. It has attracted foreign investors for real estate for a long time.

The British discovered the Swiss Alps at the end of the 19th century and then again in the decade of the 20's. But the real boom started in the 50's right after the Second World War. The British were also one of the first nations to buy property in Switzerland, especially in the mountain villages, which today are top ski resorts.

Switzerland Real Estate - A look over Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps in the back ground


For decades, Switzerland has restricted the acquisition of real estate by foreigners. That means that all foreigners who wish to acquire residential Swiss real estate must obtain approval prior to their purchase or it becomes invalid. It is relatively difficult to obtain such an approval. These restrictions also explain why tax and estate planning options for foreigners who wish to acquire Switzerland real estate are also very limited.

If you are a foreigner with a Swiss residence permit, it is possible to acquire real estate for your own personal use. For example, the north shore of the Lake Geneva region stretching from the city of Geneva to Montreux on the east side of the lake is a one of the most favourite for many foreign nationals relocating to Switzerland. However, the acquisition and holding of commercial real estate by foreigners only is not restricted anymore.

Switzerland Real Estate - The town of Montreux on Lake Geneva Switzerland



Advantages of Owning Switzerland Real Estate

Switzerland is a fantastic place to live a high-end lifestyle. It is without a doubt one of the most attractive countries in the world to move and live in. Many celebrities and wealthy individuals make Switzerland the residence of choice. They enjoy the lump-sum taxation, personal security, the high degree of privacy and personal security. Additionally, the political and economic stability of Switzerland make it the ultimate place of residence.

* High End lifestyle

* Lump-sum taxation or favorable taxation system

* Personal security and total privacy

* Socially, politically and economically stable

* Excellent infrastructure

* Low inheritance taxes

* Highly qualified, multi-lingual and motivated workforce

* Top banking facilities

* Excellent health care system



Who can invest in Real Estate in Switzerland?


Acquisition of residential real estate by foreign non-residents

If you are a foreigner wishing to acquire residential real estate in Switzerland, you must first obtain approval prior to your purchase, or it becomes invalid. You may be authorised to purchase a chalet in a location designated by the respective cantonal authorities – such as in a Swiss ski resort.

Every authorisation is deducted from the annual quota assigned to each canton by the Federal government for chalets and hotel condominium units. The communities and cantons also may apply restrictions that could be sometimes even more stringent. Additional is that chalets and hotel condominiums can only be acquired by a physical person, under your own name for example but never by a company.


Acquisition of residential real estate by foreign residents

If you are a foreigner holding a Swiss residence permit, you are allowed the purchase of a house or apartment for your own personal use without to seek approval.

Foreign-controlled Swiss companies purchasing Switzerland real estate have no restrictions when used for their own offices or production facilities. You may find it an interesting option to consider obtaining a residence permit if you wish to acquire Swiss real estate. However, this requires you subsequently to spend considerable time actually living in Switzerland. Click here to read more about living in Switzerland.


Acquisition of commercial real estate

There are no restrictions for foreign-controlled Swiss companies, which purchase property for use as their own offices or for producing goods. And there are also no more restrictions in acquiring commercial-only property by foreigners or foreign entities. Foreigners and foreign entities wishing to invest in commercial Switzerland real estate can take advantage of the favourable tax planning possibilities.



Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Switzerland

Finding a good Switzerland real estate agent is not that difficult. But in a country with four different languages and mentalities, it can be quite a challenge to decide which one is the right fit. And not all the real estate agents are informed regarding the zoning law from each region.

Like everywhere else, it is also important to use an attorney to settle all the paperwork and to make sure the title is clean and the transaction is done properly.

Despite the financial crisis, the high-end properties are still going up at top locations. The prices for prime Swiss real estate climbed to over 40% since 2000. Reason enough for many to look at Switzerland not just to invest but also to join the many celebrities.

If you enjoyed the information on Switzerland real estate, you also be interested in discovering other pages on the same subject like …

Lake Geneva Real Estate
Lakefront Real Estate
Swiss Castles
Castles for Sale
Switzerland Villas

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