Your Real Estate Guide – Knowledge, Trends, and Tips

Lex Koller: Advisor for foreigners purchasing real estate in Switzerland

Our guide to buying real estate in Switzerland.

Can I buy residential property in Switzerland as a foreigner?

Regardless of nationality, moving into their own four walls is a big dream for many people. However, under the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad ("Lex Koller"), Swiss lawmakers make a distinction between Swiss and foreign property buyers. This is intended to prevent the "alienation of domestic land". To this end, the legislator makes the acquisition of property or building land subject to authorisation in certain cases.

Private Office Market Report 2026

Tax Optimization Despite the Abolition of Imputed Rental Value

Key Insights:

Calculating the income value of real estate

The income value is used to value real estate based on its expected long-term return. Learn how the calculation works, which factors are decisive, and where the limitations of this method lie.

Real estate gains tax

This tax is determined from the difference between a property’s purchase price and its sale price. Has the property currently being sold increased in value over time? If so, the real estate gains tax goes up correspondingly. However, the vendor may be able to claim investments or expenses here in order to reduce the tax burden.

Moving into real estate from another profession: how it’s done!

Are you feeling fed up with your current job and looking for new opportunities to develop professionally? Are you interested in the real estate sector and can envisage embarking on a new career as a real estate agent? Then read on!

The success story of Engel & Völkers in Switzerland - an interview with Peter Frigo

Peter Frigo is the founder of Engel & Völkers Master License Residential in Switzerland. Find out more about Peter Frigo and the founding and development of Engel & Völkers in Switzerland in the following interview.

Brokerage agreement: Points to consider

Are you planning to sell a property? Then you have a choice to make: either you sell the property yourself, which involves a lot of effort, or you hire an estate agent to do the job for you.

The world’s top 5 most exclusive ski resorts

Engel & Völkers presents this year’s ski ranking, highlighting the five most exclusive ski destinations worldwide. According to the latest survey by the globally operating real estate service provider, the most exclusive ski properties are currently found in the Swiss Alps: Gstaad in the Saanenland tops the ranking as the location with the highest real estate prices, followed by the prestigious ski resort of St. Moritz in Graubünden. Aspen, in the U.S. state of Colorado, takes third place, making it the most exclusive ski region in the Rocky Mountains. Neighboring Vail, as well as Park City in Utah, also rank among the five most sought-after winter destinations worldwide.

Searching, finding and buying a gorgeous apartment with Engel & Völkers

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and is surrounded by beautiful nature. The strategic location of Zurich and the excellent infrastructure make Zurich the city of Finance one of the most interesting places to live in Switzerland. Depending on the personal preferences for an apartment buyers are quickly faced with a limited choice of equivalent real estate in Zurich. You can buy attractive high-quality apartments in Zurich at a reasonable price with the help of our experienced real estate agents from Engel & Völkers Zurich Paradeplatz and Oerlikon. You can also benefit from our agents’ market knowledge of Zurich's real estate market. Find your dream apartment in Zurich with our E&V real estate agents, whether you want to buy, rent, or live in the property.

Discover dream properties on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland

Majestic mountains, blue water and exotic palm trees: this charming charming scenic combination awaits you around the unique properties on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. The northern part of Lake Maggiore also scores with the best of two countries - the Italian way of life, Mediterranean climate, Ticino cuisine and Swiss noblesse. Find out more about the fascinating properties on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland from our Engel & Völkers real estate agents in Ascona.

Lex Koller: Advisor for foreigners purchasing real estate in Switzerland

Our guide to buying real estate in Switzerland.

Calculating the income value of real estate

The income value is used to value real estate based on its expected long-term return. Learn how the calculation works, which factors are decisive, and where the limitations of this method lie.

Rental guide for owners of residential real estate

Renting a property often involves more work and financial outlay than selling a property. With a sale, the contractual relationship between buyer and seller usually ends when the purchase price is paid. It is not relevant whether the future owner will treat the building with care or not. Exactly the opposite is true for renting! Here you are entering into a longer contract – one that may often last for many years.