Checklist for buying a house in Switzerland: 50 points that you must check before buying

Buying a property in Switzerland is the biggest financial decision in your life most people. This 50-point checklist in 7 categories ensures you don't forget anything — from the first viewing until handing over the keys.

1. Financing (8 points)

1. Put together equity capital (at least 20%, of which a maximum of 10% from the 2nd pillar)
2. Calculate affordability (→ Affordability calculator)
3. Obtain mortgage offers from at least 3 providers
4. Decide on fixed-rate mortgage vs. SARON (→ Mortgage comparison)
5. Plan for additional costs (3-5% of the purchase price, → Additional costs calculator)
6. Reserves for unforeseen costs (CHF 20,000-50,000)
7. Calculate tax implications (imputed rental value, → Imputed rental value calculator)
8. Check pension fund advance withdrawals or pledges

2. Request documents (7 points)

9. Land register extract (ownership, easements, mortgages)
10. Zoning plan and building regulations of the municipality
11. Building insurance certificate and fire protection class
12. Energy certificate (GEAK) – mandatory in many cantons
13. Renovation history (last 10 years: what was done?)
14. Utility billing for the last 3 years
15. At STWE: regulations, renewal fund status, minutes of the last 3 meetings (→ Renewal Fund Guide)

3. Visit (10 points)

16. At least 2 visits (different times of day, in daylight)
17. Measure room sizes (do they match the plan?)
18. Check moisture: basement, bathroom, window corners
19. Test heating and hot water (age, type, condition)
20. Check windows (age, double glazing, seals)
21. Visually inspect the roof and facade (cracks, discoloration, moss)
22. Electrical installation: FI switch available? Age of the pipes?
23. Check the noise situation (street, aircraft noise, neighbors) - even in the evening
24. Observe solar radiation (orientation, shading)
25. Explore the neighborhood: shopping, public transport, schools, doctors

4. Legal (8 points)

26. Understanding easements in the land register (rights of way, building bans, proximity building rights)
27. Do you have building permits for all conversions and additions?
28. Check monument protection status (→ Construction zone & monument protection)
29. Lex Koller: Check your eligibility as a foreign buyer (→ Lex Koller check)
30. Check the municipality's contaminated sites register
31. Ask about construction projects in the area (planned streets, high-rise buildings?)
32. Check rental agreements (for capital investments: notice periods, rental law)
33. Pre-emption rights of third parties in the land register?

5. Taxes and costs (7 points)

34. Calculate change of ownership tax (→ Hand change cost calculator)
35. Calculate land registration fees
36. Obtain notary fees (differs from canton to canton)
37. Clarify the creation or takeover of the mortgage note
38. Ask about the municipality’s annual property tax
39. Estimate the imputed rental value (→ Imputed rental value calculator)
40. Save taxes: plan renovation cost grading (→ 8 strategies)

6. Purchase contract (6 points)

41. Have the purchase contract drawn up by a notary (mandatory in CH)
42. Purchase price, payment modalities and handover date clearly defined?
43. Inventory list (what is included in the price: kitchen, cupboards, garden?)
44. Defects clause: What guarantees are there?
45. Right of withdrawal and contractual penalty regulated?
46. Arrange a notarization appointment with the notary

7. After purchase (4 points)

47. Take out/take on insurance (buildings, household contents, liability)
48. Change of address at the municipality, post office, insurance company, tax office
49. Read the meter readings (electricity, water, gas) on the handover day
50. Create a key log (document and acknowledge all keys)

→ Read more: All additional costs in detail · Understanding portability

As of April 2026. This checklist does not replace professional advice. Every property is unique.