Second homes in Switzerland – the key facts at a glance

Do you love the Swiss mountains or Ticino and would like a holiday apartment as a second home? Find out what you need to consider from a legal perspective and what the second home initiative means for Swiss citizens.

Since the adoption of the second home initiative in 2012, many are unsure about whether they can buy a holiday home in the mountains and what requirements they have to meet. This initiative governs the construction of new second homes in particular. In municipalities where the proportion of second homes is more than 20%, permits for new builds are only granted if certain criteria are met. This means, for example, that an apartment must either be used as a main residence or as a holiday rental.

But when does a holiday home count as a second home, and when as a secondary residence?

The relevant differences with second homes

Anyone who likes to work from home and also uses their holiday home as a place of work is considered a weekly resident with a secondary residence, and is therefore not subject to the regulations of the Second-Home Initiative.

Only if a second home is generally used for holiday purposes might the requirements for second homes need to be met in the relevant municipalities, and such properties will need to be rented out to third parties for some of the time.

What are the costs involved with ownership?

Anyone who already has their own home knows that costs are involved – especially when it comes to buying, managing and taxes. Although there is no flat-rate second home tax for second homes, all other taxes that are also payable for a main residence still apply.

The imputed rental value applies to second homes that cannot be rented out all year round. In most cases, therefore, the imputed rental value is added to taxable income.

Anyone who rents out their holiday home some of the time and declares the rent as part of their income should make sure that this is deducted from the imputed rental value.

Depending on the canton, the purchase of a second home is subject to property transfer tax and property tax. These can each be between 1 and 3% of the purchase price.

Added to this are of course other management costs, cleaning costs for rentals and renovation costs. While owning a second home involves costs such as these, there are also many benefits.

The benefits of a second home

Anyone who purchases a holiday apartment or home in a popular holiday resort can of course rent it out all year round. Nowadays, short-term rental via various portals is very easy to arrange and generates considerable additional income.

But even if the holiday home is not rented out, it still offers many advantages, allowing you to get away and spend a few days or weeks in a scenic destination of your own. Nowadays, with so many people able to work from home, this even means you can work in places where others spend their holidays.



The experts at Engel & Völkers understand the market and know exactly how to help you find your dream property. We can help you to both buy a second or holiday home and organise its possible rental. The best course of action is to get in touch with your nearest Engel & Völkers shop. We look forward to assisting you!