SWITZERLAND

1. Citizens of the European Union are allowed to buy properties only as a permanent residence (tax payment).
2. Citizens of the European Union are allowed to buy a second home or a holiday home only in tourist areas.
3. In these areas there are some limitations regarding prices and the number of properties for sale.
4. The purchase of a property must be officially certified.
5. Upon registration of the land register the new ownership is officially documented.
6. The 26 regions are autonomous within the limits set by the Federal Constitution., which means that the land transfer tax is also different. There is no nationwide regulation.
7. The land transfer tax is called Handänderungssteuer and ranges between 1% - 3,3%.
8. The land transfer tax is not always paid by the purchaser. In some regions this tax has to be paid by the vendor.
9. If the property is self used by the owner, tax is paid on a fictitious rental value.
10. In most regions there is neither death duty nor endowment tax.