Types of ski property in Switzerland: Lex Weber explained

In Switzerland, property types include primary residences (for full-time living), second or holiday homes (used seasonally or for rental), touristic properties (which must be rented out part of the year), and hotel-serviced apartments (managed within resorts). Buyers can also choose between apartments or chalets, though restrictions for foreign buyers vary by canton and property type.

In Switzerland, a first home, or primary residence, is the property where you live most of the year and are officially registered. It is your main place of residence.

A second home, often referred to as a holiday residence, is used occasionally for vacations or weekend getaways. There are usually restrictions on second homes; many municipalities limit the number that can be owned, and foreign buyers are typically allowed to purchase them only in designated tourist areas.

To live full-time in a Swiss second home, you must have a valid Swiss residence permit, and the property must be approved for such use under local zoning laws. Foreign buyers who do not have residency typically cannot use a second home as their primary residence since these properties are designated for holiday use and often face occupancy restrictions under Swiss law.

In Switzerland, apartments and chalets are usually sold as freehold properties, meaning that you own the property outright. Apartment owners typically share ownership of the building's common areas, while chalet owners generally own both the land and the structure. However, foreign buyers may encounter restrictions regarding the size, use, or location of the property due to Swiss property laws.

New builds are ideal for investors looking for low-maintenance, energy-efficient homes, often certified by Minergie. These homes come with builder defect coverage, which typically lasts 2 to 5 years under Swiss law. Buyers can also customise off-plan homes. However, new builds can be pricier, may face delays, and are less common in second-home communities due to the 20% cap on new holiday homes established in 2012.

Resales, on the other hand, often provide better locations and immediate occupancy, sometimes with a proven rental history. However, they may require renovations and energy upgrades, which can increase running costs. Transaction costs for buyers are generally modest by EU standards, ranging from 2.5% to 3.8% in many cantons.