Personal use and rental rules for ski property in Switzerland

In Switzerland, there are no nationwide regulations regarding rental obligations for ski properties. Property owners typically have the freedom to decide whether to rent their properties or not. However, some cantons and resorts have their own local rules, which may include restrictions on short-term rentals or requirements for registration if the property is rented for an extended number of days.

You can usually use your Swiss ski property as much as you want, as there are no national limits on personal use. However, in some tourist areas or developments, owners, particularly foreign buyers, may be required to make the property available for rental for part of the year.

Buying a Swiss property with a rental obligation allows foreign buyers to purchase more easily under Lex Koller exemptions, offers potential rental income and VAT/tax benefits, and often includes professional management, making ownership simpler and more cost-efficient.

Renting your property in Switzerland is a relatively straightforward process. You can use a local agent to deal with everything from admin to property management. They’ll also take care of marketing the property, finding and vetting tenants and ensuring it is fully maintained when you are not in the country. Some new-build residences may come with an on-site management company that are able to take care of all aspects of the rental management for you. You can expect to pay around 30% of the rent for a fully managed rental service in Switzerland.

To maximise rental income from your Swiss property, location is key. Properties situated close to the ski lifts or directly on the piste tend to achieve the strongest occupancy rates and the highest weekly rental prices. The peak earning periods are during the main school holiday weeks - Christmas and New Year, February half term, and Easter, when demand is at its highest and properties are often fully booked well in advance.

While the majority of rental income is generated during the winter season, choosing a property in a true dual season resort can significantly boost returns. Resorts that attract visitors year round, offering hiking, biking, and mountain activities in summer, help maintain occupancy levels and generate additional income outside the ski months.