Yes, the so-called Lex Friedrich forbids foreigners without
residential permits to buy any real estate in Switzerland. However, cantons
(states) can give authorization for foreigners to buy some properties such as the
apartment buildings we will discuss on this page.
Note that we are discussing the purchase of entire buildings; if you want just a vacation
apartment, please click here.
Foreigners can invest in HLM buildings in some cantons. These
are new apartment buildings with below-market rentals. You will be exempted from local
taxes for a period of up to 20 years after which you will be allowed to raise the rents.
You cannot buy with money you have gained from criminal activity and
you can buy only buildings that are authorized for sale to foreigners. The act of
purchasing must be made before an official public notary who will check everything to see
if it is legal.
Some people ask a Swiss to buy real estate on their behalf with
money they lend him. This is illegal and the whole operation is void before Swiss law. If
the scheme is discovered, the purchase is automatically cancelled and your Swiss
accomplice will go to jail. This leaves you with the choice of either coming to
Switzerland and pleading guilty to fraud or writing off your building. We will not
consider being involved in this kind of operation.
BACK TO FAQs
|
© Micheloud
& Cie
1999 |
No part of this site may be reproduced in
any form or by any means without our prior written permission. Information contained in
this website is not meant to substitute qualified legal advice given by a specialist
knowing your particular situation. We accept no responsibility for the consequences
of decisions taken following information found on this website. More... |
Switzerland
is yours | Table of contents | Contact Us
|
