Buying land in Switzerland
Make a sound investment
If you are interested in purchasing land in Switzerland, it is important to familiarize yourself with the legal and practical requirements at an early stage in order to avoid surprises and ensure that your investment is a sound one.
How can I find out whether a plot of land can be built on?
Zoning is one of the key criteria. Only land in building zones may be built on. Land in agricultural, open space or protected zones is subject to strict land use restrictions and generally cannot be used for residential purposes. You can find this information in the official zoning plan for the municipality in question. Always check this before making a purchase.
Infrastructure is also crucial. Ensure that the property is connected to roads, a power supply, a water supply and sewerage. A lack of infrastructure can lead to high additional costs or the rejection of your building permit application. It’s also important to check the land register. Liabilities such as easements, rights of first refusal or contaminated sites can significantly restrict use. For example, you might be obligated to give neighbors right of way or there may be building restrictions in certain areas. This is why checking the land register is essential.
Get professional advice on your land purchase and make a sound investment
Buying a piece of land doesn’t automatically give you the right to build on it. A building permit is always required for any construction project. If you have specific plans in mind, you should check in advance whether the project is likely to be approved.