Swiss Government To Tighten Foreign Property Ownership

2026-04-15 02:17:05

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The Swiss government has decided to tighten the federal law on home ownership by foreigners - commonly known as the Lex Koller law - in order to tackle the housing shortage. According to the changes, foreign homeowners will have to obtain authorisation before they can buy a home in Switzerland. Select your language

Generated with artificial intelligence. Listening: Swiss government to tighten foreign property ownership This content was published on April 15, 2026 - 15:43 3 minutes Keystone-SDA

Français fr L'accès aux logements suisses restreints pour les étrangers Original Read more: L'accès aux logements suisses restreints pour les étra

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The government intends to make the purchase of principal residences by nationals of countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) subject to authorisation, it said in a press release. If these owners move, they will have to sell their property within two years.

Foreign owners would also no longer be able to buy commercial properties and then rent them out. The aim of this is to prevent purchases made solely for investment purposes.

The federal government also intends to tighten the screws on holiday homes. The annual quotas available to the cantons for authorising purchases by foreign owners will be reduced. And sales between foreigners will once again be subject to authorisation.
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