REAL ESTATE NEWS

1

Holiday Home Market: Bargains Hard to Find

The Swiss market for holiday homes has seen a significant price increase in recent years. High demand and limited supply, particularly in popular areas like Ticino and Graubünden, have led to significant price rises. According to experts, affordable offers have become rare. Especially in tourist hotspots, prices have increased by up to 40% since 2020.

Those still looking to purchase a holiday home at a lower price might find opportunities in less touristic areas or in sales under time pressure. In more remote mountain regions and less touristic areas in German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy, buyers may encounter more moderate prices. The market in these lesser-known regions often does not benefit from the same media presence and marketing that favor the more well-known locations, which can lead to more favorable prices.

Additionally, buying a holiday property in these less frequented areas often comes with other advantages, such as less competition when buying and more negotiating room regarding the price. However, it should be noted that such properties may not experience the same appreciation as those in established holiday regions. Investors and holiday home buyers are therefore well advised to also consider the long-term prospects and infrastructure development of the respective region.

2

National Council Votes to Abolish Imputed Rental V…

The National Council has voted to abolish the imputed rental value for secondary residences. At the same time, a constitutional basis for a property tax is to be created to allow cantons and municipalities to compensate for revenue losses. This controversial proposal, which has already failed twice at the polls, will now go to the Council of States.

The abolition of the imputed rental value could have significant financial implications, especially for tourism-dependent cantons. However, the National Council is seeking a long-term solution with compensation through a property tax. This new tax system could lead to property owners being taxed directly based on the market value of their properties, ensuring a fairer distribution of tax burdens. Furthermore, the National Council hopes that abolishing the imputed rental value will invigorate the real estate market and increase the availability of rental properties, as owners might be more inclined to rent out unused apartments instead of leaving them vacant.

The debate in the National Council showed a wide range of opinions, with proponents of the change arguing that the current regulation is outdated and no longer reflects the reality of many property owners. Critics, on the other hand, warn of the financial consequences for public budgets and call for detailed analyses of the economic impacts of this reform.

If the Council of States agrees to the proposal, it would be a significant step towards comprehensive tax reform that could modernize property taxation in Switzerland. However, intense discussions and potential adjustments are expected before a final decision is made. In the meantime, various interest groups are planning campaigns to inform and influence public opinion about the significance and potential impacts of this legislative change.

3

Rental Prices in Switzerland Slightly Increase in…

In September 2024, rental listings in Switzerland saw a slight increase again. The Homegate index rose by 0.2 points to 128.1. Compared to last year, rents increased by 3.9%, with the Canton of Schwyz recording the highest monthly rise of 3.1%. Schwyz also leads on a yearly basis with an increase of 11.4%, followed by Zug with 11.1%.

On the other hand, decreases were observed in Schaffhausen and Graubünden. Cities like Basel (+1.1%) and Zurich (+6.8% year-on-year) also experienced significant price increases. This trend indicates that rental prices in Switzerland continue to rise, especially in sought-after regions and cities, making the market increasingly challenging for tenants.

4

SWISS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW WEB…

The Swiss Property Owners Association unveils its new homepage, freshly designed from the ground up. On November 4th, the in-house development team launched the site with both nerves and pride. What's new?

Informative articles, videos, and shorts
Market-oriented online valuation for all properties (houses, apartments, multi-family homes, commercial properties, and building land)
Mortgage calculator with competitive interest rates
Insider tip: All sales properties are always first exclusively published on the new website
Instant property sale service for urgent transactions
Bridging mortgage for those let down by their banks
Free legal services for members

The approximately 50 employees of the Swiss Property Owners Association are excited to offer all members a modern and efficient tool for solving all real estate issues.

REAL ESTATE NEWS

1

Holiday Home Market: Bargains Hard to Find

The Swiss market for holiday homes has seen a significant price increase in recent years. High demand and limited supply, particularly in popular areas like Ticino and Graubünden, have led to significant price rises. According to experts, affordable offers have become rare. Especially in tourist hotspots, prices have increased by up to 40% since 2020.

Those still looking to purchase a holiday home at a lower price might find opportunities in less touristic areas or in sales under time pressure. In more remote mountain regions and less touristic areas in German-speaking Switzerland and Romandy, buyers may encounter more moderate prices. The market in these lesser-known regions often does not benefit from the same media presence and marketing that favor the more well-known locations, which can lead to more favorable prices.

Additionally, buying a holiday property in these less frequented areas often comes with other advantages, such as less competition when buying and more negotiating room regarding the price. However, it should be noted that such properties may not experience the same appreciation as those in established holiday regions. Investors and holiday home buyers are therefore well advised to also consider the long-term prospects and infrastructure development of the respective region.

2

National Council Votes to Abolish Imputed Rental V…

The National Council has voted to abolish the imputed rental value for secondary residences. At the same time, a constitutional basis for a property tax is to be created to allow cantons and municipalities to compensate for revenue losses. This controversial proposal, which has already failed twice at the polls, will now go to the Council of States.

The abolition of the imputed rental value could have significant financial implications, especially for tourism-dependent cantons. However, the National Council is seeking a long-term solution with compensation through a property tax. This new tax system could lead to property owners being taxed directly based on the market value of their properties, ensuring a fairer distribution of tax burdens. Furthermore, the National Council hopes that abolishing the imputed rental value will invigorate the real estate market and increase the availability of rental properties, as owners might be more inclined to rent out unused apartments instead of leaving them vacant.

The debate in the National Council showed a wide range of opinions, with proponents of the change arguing that the current regulation is outdated and no longer reflects the reality of many property owners. Critics, on the other hand, warn of the financial consequences for public budgets and call for detailed analyses of the economic impacts of this reform.

If the Council of States agrees to the proposal, it would be a significant step towards comprehensive tax reform that could modernize property taxation in Switzerland. However, intense discussions and potential adjustments are expected before a final decision is made. In the meantime, various interest groups are planning campaigns to inform and influence public opinion about the significance and potential impacts of this legislative change.

3

Rental Prices in Switzerland Slightly Increase in…

In September 2024, rental listings in Switzerland saw a slight increase again. The Homegate index rose by 0.2 points to 128.1. Compared to last year, rents increased by 3.9%, with the Canton of Schwyz recording the highest monthly rise of 3.1%. Schwyz also leads on a yearly basis with an increase of 11.4%, followed by Zug with 11.1%.

On the other hand, decreases were observed in Schaffhausen and Graubünden. Cities like Basel (+1.1%) and Zurich (+6.8% year-on-year) also experienced significant price increases. This trend indicates that rental prices in Switzerland continue to rise, especially in sought-after regions and cities, making the market increasingly challenging for tenants.

4

SWISS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW WEB…

The Swiss Property Owners Association unveils its new homepage, freshly designed from the ground up. On November 4th, the in-house development team launched the site with both nerves and pride. What's new?

Informative articles, videos, and shorts
Market-oriented online valuation for all properties (houses, apartments, multi-family homes, commercial properties, and building land)
Mortgage calculator with competitive interest rates
Insider tip: All sales properties are always first exclusively published on the new website
Instant property sale service for urgent transactions
Bridging mortgage for those let down by their banks
Free legal services for members

The approximately 50 employees of the Swiss Property Owners Association are excited to offer all members a modern and efficient tool for solving all real estate issues.

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About us

The Swiss Property Owners Association is a free and dynamic association for all property owners in Switzerland—and those who aspire to be. With no political agenda, our guiding principle “Invest intelligently in real estate” supports our members throughout the entire life cycle of properties. From targeted acquisition through careful holding to optimized sale.

Richard’s Favorites: Recommended by the President

A 16th-century Old Town apartment? A house with direct lake access? A secluded, abandoned farmhouse? The properties curated personally by Association President Richard Auf der Maur are not necessarily expensive, but they are definitely exciting and unique.

Gerolfingen
This 5.5-room garden apartment in Gerolfingen offers 144 m² of living space, a 16 m² terrace, and a 147 m² garden with stunning views of Lake Biel and the Jura mountains. Featuring bold architectural design and a vertical garden in the entrance, the apartment comes with a generous budget for customizing the interior. Located just minutes from the beach, train station (15 minutes to Biel), and the town center, this property combines luxury with convenience. For more information, visit tris-gerolfingen.ch.
Gerolfingen
This 5.5-room garden apartment in Gerolfingen offers 144 m² of living space, a 16 m² terrace, and a 147 m² garden with stunning views of Lake Biel and the Jura mountains. Featuring bold architectural design and a vertical garden in the entrance, the apartment comes with a generous budget for customizing the interior. Located just minutes from the beach, train station (15 minutes to Biel), and the town center, this property combines luxury with convenience. For more information, visit tris-gerolfingen.ch.
Gretzenbach
On a sun-drenched hillside, a detached 5.5/6.5-room single-family home is looking for a new owner.
Gretzenbach
On a sun-drenched hillside, a detached 5.5/6.5-room single-family home is looking for a new owner.
Spiez
This modern flat in Spiez, built in 2021, offers two sunny balconies and an impressive view of Lake Thun.
Spiez
This modern flat in Spiez, built in 2021, offers two sunny balconies and an impressive view of Lake Thun.
Lugano
In a location with unobstructed views, we are selling a nearly new, luxurious 5.5-room condominium with an additional studio in Lugano. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Lugano
In a location with unobstructed views, we are selling a nearly new, luxurious 5.5-room condominium with an additional studio in Lugano. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Bergdietikon
The exceptional residence in Bergdietikon embodies the meticulously conceived concept of a passionate architect who always strived for originality.
Bergdietikon
The exceptional residence in Bergdietikon embodies the meticulously conceived concept of a passionate architect who always strived for originality.

Resources for every stage of your journey home

Discover current and informative articles about real estate. Here, you will find detailed analyses, practical tips, and the latest trends.

Cultivating a Balanced Home Environment with Feng Shui

There are countless approaches to making your house feel like a home, from creating gallery walls to integrating your hobbies into your decor. One such approach is the practice of feng shui, an ancient philosophy designed to cultivate a space where individuals feel balanced, joyful, and inspired. Tips from feng shui experts can guide you in aligning your living space with the natural world, helping to foster a nurturing and supportive environment.

Straight to the Point: How Your Words Can Convince Potential Buyers

In an era where most property buyers begin their search online, the listing often serves as the first point of contact with a property. The right words can be crucial: they can spark a potential buyer's interest or cause them to simply scroll past. A well-crafted property listing can make the difference between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market.