Insurance News Archive

Property investment in Switzerland 'tricky'

It is very tricky to buy property in Switzerland but there are ways around it, according to an expert.

Laurence Haverbeke, director of Sunday Homes, explains a moratorium was put in place two years ago to put a stop to the sale of properties to foreign investors.

She says this meant no-one could buy property at any time unless they had a building permit, while a non-Swiss still has to purchase from another foreign national.

However, Ms Haverbeke insists there are still good opportunities for Brits in the country and for those who really want to buy in Swizerland "it's not impossible in reality".

She adds: "You could apply for a B permit. It will make the price a little bit more expensive but then you can still buy it and that makes it very attractive."

The Canton of Valais relaxed the ban on foreigners purchasing property in Switzerland in November 2007.

A total of 330 new permits were allocated, although 50 per cent were given to tourist projects and the rest were sold to those in a waiting queue or some new buyers.

23 Jul 2008