Property
Ownership through a public land register, with real limits on foreign buyers
The Civil Code governs ownership, which passes on entry in the cantonal land register (Grundbuch) after a public deed. A distinctive feature is Lex Koller, the federal law restricting the acquisition of Swiss real estate by persons abroad, which requires authorisation for many purchases by non-residents.
Key rules
- Transfer of immovable property requires a public deed and entry in the land register (Grundbuch).
- Lex Koller restricts acquisition of residential property by persons abroad and requires authorisation in many cases.
- Condominium ownership (Stockwerkeigentum) is held with a share in the common parts and a managed owners' community.
Governing law
- Civil Code (ZGB/CC), property lawOwnership, land register and condominium ownership
- Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (Lex Koller)Restrictions on foreign buyers
In practice
Lex Koller is the decisive issue for foreign buyers: holiday-home quotas are limited and vary by canton, and buying without required authorisation makes the transaction void. Land-register and notary practice is organised at cantonal level.