Selling a property: quick and simple.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. If your goal is to get the highest possible selling price, then demand is a major factor. The more buyers that are interested in a property, the higher the achievable selling price. Willingness to buy is heavily influenced by the general economic situation, properties on the market and interest rates. When it comes to viewings, especially in outdoors areas, summer is preferable to winter. And lastly, the best time also of course depends on the seller’s circumstances. The important thing is to allow enough time for the sale process, to be well prepared and, if necessary, to seek assistance from experts to optimise your chances of a successful sale.

In the majority of cantons, the seller and buyer each bear half of the notary and land registry fees as well as the property transfer tax. As sellers, you will encounter property gains tax, which you have to pay but can however be deferred. Furthermore, leaving a mortgage early may incur a fee if it cannot be transferred to the buyer or a new property.

Property gains tax is levied by the canton and taxes the profit made from real estate sales. The bigger the difference between the purchase price and selling price and the shorter the duration of ownership of the property, the higher the tax. Each canton sets its own rate for this tax. Value-enhancing investments and costs incurred when selling these – such as commission for estate agents, advertising costs, property transfer tax, notary fees and early repayment charges on mortgages – can be added onto the purchase price in many cantons, which reduces the profit margin and thereby the amount of property gains tax. 

Yes, you can sell your property even though you currently have a mortgage. However, you should contact your mortgage lender well in advance to avoid incurring any fees. If you leave a mortgage early, you will usually incur an early repayment charge, which can potentially be tens of thousands of francs. Only a few mortgage lenders don’t charge an exit fee in the event of a sale or only charge a flat rate. If this isn’t the case, it’s worth checking whether the current mortgage can be transferred to the buyer or a new property. These are two elegant solutions for exiting a current mortgage inexpensively when selling the property.

Whether or not it’s worth carrying out renovations before selling a house depends on a number of factors. Well-thought-out renovations can increase the sale price and help to sell the house more quickly. Particularly in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or outdoors, modernisation can improve the overall impression and attract more potential buyers. However, the costs of the renovations should not exceed the expected added value. A thorough market analysis and a targeted renovation plan are crucial to produce good productivity.

This depends heavily on the circumstances. Does each spouse own an equal share of the property? In whose name is the current mortgage? What happens to any money invested in pension funds? Draw on expert knowledge to shed light on relevant questions and find a mutually beneficial solution for both parties. 

If you are gifting or bequeathing a house to your children, the main thing to bear in mind are the legal requirements such as statutory entitlements in the case of inheritance. Agreements must be made in writing. Gift or inheritance taxes may also apply. Any debts, such as mortgages, that may encumber the house must also be taken into account.

Working with an estate agent saves time and effort. This is crucial, as preparing for and processing the sale are usually highly time-sensitive. In addition, the seller will benefit from the agent’s knowledge of the market and negotiating skills, which often leads to better conditions. Another important aspect is the legal security that an experienced estate agent provides. They will be familiar with the legal requirements and ensure that all the required documents are correct and submitted on time to avoid unanticipated complications. These comprehensive services come at a price: costs vary from two to five per cent of the sale value, but can usually be more than compensated for by securing an optimal sale price.

Bridge financing helps to facilitate the purchase of a new property before selling the old one. It bridges the time between the two transactions. The term is usually six to twelve months. The interest rates are higher than a normal mortgage and it is repaid after selling the old property.