Frequently Asked Questions

• Non-Swiss residents may only buy one property of maximum 200 square metres of liveable space per family: a family is defined as husband and wife and / or under-age children. Over the age of 20, the son or daughter of an owner may purchase one property in his/her own name, provided he/she can prove his/her financial independence.
• It is possible to resell an apartment after its acquisition to another non-resident or even Swiss resident, subject to the restrictions under the “Lex Friedrich”. All applications must be made through a notary’s office, once a buyer is found.
• Under Swiss Law, an owner or his family may occupy their apartment for up to six months per year (Maximum stay is three months per visit).
• The accommodation cannot be rented on an annual basis (maximum 11 months and 1 week).
• No authorization is required for the purchase of a principal residence if the buyer has a residence permit B (i.e. work permit for non nationals), except if the land exceeds 2,000 square meters.
• EU citizens with a residence permit B and all foreigners with a residence permit C (i.e. residence permit for a non-Swiss national) can buy as many properties as they want. They are considered as Swiss citizens.

The purchase of a chalet becomes valid once the owner is registered at the Land Register.

The purchase fees amount to a total of 3% (Notary and registration fee) in the canton of Le Valais and 5% in the canton of Vaud.

By Power of Attorney, the future owner entrusts the appointed notary’s office with the duty of ensuring that all the legal formalities are respected, particularly the registration of the deed in the Land Register and releasing the acquired apartment from any previous mortgage.

The deposit (as well as further payments if wished) must be made in the notary’s clients account.

• Five years for construction defects
• Ten years for hidden defects.