Compare agencies on the basis of experience, customer reviews, services offered (such as home staging, professional photography), and agency fees. A good indicator is also their network and their ability to reach potential buyers.
To maximize the selling price, consider minor improvements, such as renovating the kitchen or bathroom, painting the walls, or even home staging to improve the property's presentation. A good online presentation is also crucial.
In Switzerland, notary fees vary from canton to canton. In Geneva, they are generally between 3% and 5% of the sale price, including emoluments, registration fees and administrative costs.
Agency fees generally vary between 2% and 5% of the property's sale price. Contact us for a precise estimate. Our usual fee rate is 3% exclusive of tax (+VAT).
PPE allows you to own an apartment in a building, while sharing ownership of the common areas (such as the roof or entrance). Individual ownership, on the other hand, gives you full possession of a house or plot of land.
In Geneva, partial or total exemption from property gains tax is possible if you reinvest the proceeds of the sale in the purchase of a new principal residence within two years.
The Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (LFAIE) places restrictions on the purchase of real estate in Switzerland by non-residents. This can make it difficult to sell a property to foreign buyers, with specific exceptions.
The ECA (Établissement Cantonal d'Assurance) is the body responsible for compulsory fire insurance for all buildings in the canton of Vaud. This insurance covers damage caused by fire and natural elements, and is compulsory to protect owners and tenants.
In Switzerland, to obtain a mortgage, you must generally provide a downpayment of at least 20% of the purchase price, including at least 10% in equity. The bank also assesses your ability to repay based on your income and expenses.
Real estate in Switzerland is considered a safe investment due to the country's economic and political stability, low interest rates, and strong demand for residential property. What's more, Switzerland offers a solid legal framework to protect investors.
The valuation of a property in Switzerland takes several factors into account: location, size, condition, fixtures and fittings, recent sale prices of comparable properties in the area, and current trends in the real estate market.
The average length of time a property is held varies, but is generally around 7 to 10 years. This period can be influenced by fluctuations in the real estate market, personal needs, and the tax advantages of resale.