Only about 36% of Swiss households own their home — the lowest rate in Europe — and for foreigners, the Lex Koller law makes buying harder still. Until you hold a residence permit, you essentially can't buy a normal home at all. Here's how the market really works.
Figures verified 9 July 2026The Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad — "Lex Koller" — is the wall most would-be buyers hit. As a non-resident, you cannot buy ordinary residential property; the only opening is a holiday home in a designated tourist zone, under the national quota of 1,500 units a year, capped at 200 m² net living area and 1,000 m² of land — and you can't rent it out long-term. As a resident non-EU national with a B permit, you may buy one primary residence for your own occupation where you live. With a C permit (5 years for US/CA nationals), you're treated like a Swiss buyer.
Renting is the national norm and carries no stigma — and no urgency to buy your way out of it. Expect a competitive dossier process in the cities: application form, permit copy, proof of income or means, and a debt-registry extract (Betreibungsauszug — newcomers substitute bank references). Deposits run up to three months' rent in a blocked account in your name. Notice periods and rent increases are regulated, and the official cantonal form is required for both — Swiss tenancy law protects tenants better than almost anywhere in North America. Budget separately for the compulsory extras: building service charges (Nebenkosten), household/liability insurance (most landlords require it), and, in most buildings, the shared laundry-room schedule. That last one is not a joke.
| Status | What you can buy |
|---|---|
| Non-resident (US/CA) | Holiday home in a tourist zone under quota — nothing else residential |
| B-permit resident (non-EU) | One primary residence for own occupation |
| C-permit resident | Anything — treated as Swiss |
What landlords score, the documents newcomers lack, and how to compensate.
The primary-residence exception, mortgages for over-60s, and the 20% deposit rules.
Where the tightening proposal stands and what it would change for non-EU buyers.
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