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Buyer Guide

The current development of property prices in Zurich

Overall economic development in Switzerland is comparatively robust despite the ongoing global geopolitical tensions and the economic challenges in some countries and industries. This makes it all the more interesting to look at property prices in Zurich and the expected development of the property market in the region.

  • 2 min read
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Brokerage commission for property sales

If you wish sell your property, you have many options. You can sell the property yourself – to do this, most vendors place listings in the appropriate online real estate portals. This is extremely economical as well as practical since these websites are specifically visited by prospective buyers searching for properties. As a vendor, you must of course take care to provide as much important information as possible since prospective purchasers can filter their searches according to various criteria. We have put together additional tips for you in this informational chart on the subject of selling property on your own.

  • 3 min read
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Can I buy residential property in Switzerland as a foreigner?

Regardless of nationality, moving into their own four walls is a big dream for many people. However, under the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad ("Lex Koller"), Swiss lawmakers make a distinction between Swiss and foreign property buyers. This is intended to prevent the "alienation of domestic land". To this end, the legislator makes the acquisition of property or building land subject to authorisation in certain cases.

  • 2 min read
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House for Bitcoin: Do cryptocurrencies have the potential to revolutionise the real estate industry?

Anyone who invested CHF 1,000 in Bitcoin five years ago can easily buy a nice flat with that money today. This is also being realised: Bitcoin millionaires are increasingly investing their money in property. But how does Bitcoin actually work and how is the hype surrounding the digital currency affecting the property market?

  • 3 min read
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The world’s top 5 most exclusive ski resorts

Engel & Völkers presents the five most exclusive ski resorts worldwide in its latest Ski Ranking.* The highest prices for ski properties are currently found in the Rocky Mountains in the US state of Colorado: Aspen leads the ranking list as the highest priced resort, followed by neighbouring Vail. Third place is shared by St. Moritz and Gstaad in Switzerland, making them the most exclusive ski regions in the Alps. Kitzbühel in Austria and Whistler in British Columbia, Canada, also rank in the Top 5. “Premium properties in ski regions are among the most sought-after second homes, as well as the most desirable investment properties. They make excellent long-term investment opportunities, especially when the financial markets are volatile, as an effective hedge against inflation – as well as providing a retreat throughout the ski season and beyond,” says Florian Hofer, Managing Director of Engel & Völkers Kitzbühel.

  • 3 min read
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More resources for buyers

Seller Guide

Inheritance law in Switzerland: What is there to consider to when inheriting property?

With the help of the Swiss Civil Code, inheritance law in Switzerland governs succession, provided that the deceased has not left a will. The so-called parentelic system of succession determines which heirs are the main heirs to the inheritance and how large their share of the estate is. Especially with large hereditary communities, it is advisable to write a will in time. If property such as a house, land or an owner-occupied flat is in the estate, a will prevents disputes among the heirs. In addition, you distribute your inheritance to the heirs who appreciate your estate.

  • 3 min read
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Property sales: Tips and checklist

Your property is among your greatest assets, whether it be an apartment or a house. It is correspondingly important to avoid mistakes when selling it and to prepare yourself as thoroughly as possible.

  • 3 min read
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Calculating living space correctly

Anyone looking to sell their house or apartment is obliged to specify the exact area of the living space in the advertisement. But which areas actually count as living space, and how do you calculate that area accurately? Our property experts have put the most important information together for you here.

  • 3 min read
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Selling your property on your own: the important stuff

Why do people decide to sell their property privately? For most people, the cost factor is quite obviously the issue - if there is no broker's commission, then the profit is theoretically higher. However, since selling real estate is not something you do very often in your life, vendors definitely need to plan well. It’s important to have a solid sales strategy and also to avoid certain pitfalls resulting in subsequent costs or even cancellations.

  • 4 min read
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More resources for buyers

Real Estate Agent Guide

Brokerage commission for property sales

If you wish sell your property, you have many options. You can sell the property yourself – to do this, most vendors place listings in the appropriate online real estate portals. This is extremely economical as well as practical since these websites are specifically visited by prospective buyers searching for properties. As a vendor, you must of course take care to provide as much important information as possible since prospective purchasers can filter their searches according to various criteria. We have put together additional tips for you in this informational chart on the subject of selling property on your own.

  • 3 min read
Brokerage commission for property sales

Overview of the latest lifestyle articles

The canton of Zug - Switzerland's tax haven

Zug is a canton in German-speaking Switzerland and is part of the greater Central Switzerland region (Central Switzerland) and the Zurich metropolitan region. Zug is one of the smallest cantons in Switzerland, but with a population of 126,837 (31 December 2018) and 500 inhabitants per square kilometer, it has a high population density by Swiss standards.

  • 5 min read
The canton of Zug - Switzerland's tax haven

Real Estate Guide

What needs to be taken into account when purchasing a condominium?

There are a number of important points to consider when purchasing a condominium. It is vital that not only an excerpt from the land register be available for inspection, or a cadastral plan, for the housing unit intended to be purchased, but also for the main land plot on which this housing unit is located.

  • 2 min read
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Inheritance law in Switzerland: What is there to consider to when inheriting property?

With the help of the Swiss Civil Code, inheritance law in Switzerland governs succession, provided that the deceased has not left a will. The so-called parentelic system of succession determines which heirs are the main heirs to the inheritance and how large their share of the estate is. Especially with large hereditary communities, it is advisable to write a will in time. If property such as a house, land or an owner-occupied flat is in the estate, a will prevents disputes among the heirs. In addition, you distribute your inheritance to the heirs who appreciate your estate.

  • 3 min read
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Condominium ownership - Renovation fund and value of a share

The creation of a renovation fund is not required by law. However, if the regulations provide for the establishment of a renovation fund, this provision must be complied with. It is advisable to create the renovation fund already in the first year after completion of the property. The contributions paid in are earmarked and serve to maintain the value of the property. They are intended in particular for future renovation work, such as on the roof, building technology or on the building envelope.

  • 2 min read
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Legal bases of condominium ownership

In Switzerland, the term “condominium” has been used since January 1965 and originates in Art. 712a et seqq of the Swiss Civil Code (CC).

  • 1 min read
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Property - related taxes Advisor

Property ownership can result in a variety of taxes. These are generally determined by the location of the property – namely, in the canton where the property is located. This means that one person owning property in various cantons may be liable to pay taxes to different cantons. In such cases, different cantonal taxation systems come into effect, with the result that the taxation of property can easily become a rather complicated issue.

  • 5 min read
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Heating renovation in existing properties - what you need to know

The renovation and updating of the heating has become a key issue, especially for existing properties, and should always be given top priority when buying a property. In addition to personal values surrounding environmental protection, future political requirements to replace fossil heat generation in residential buildings should also not be underestimated.

  • 3 min read
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Contact

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Engel & Völkers Switzerland

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6300 Zug | Switzerland

Tel: +41 41 500 06 06