Read All About Buying Chalets and Apartments in Gstaad & Region

• What is my budget for the purchase, including ongoing costs such as taxes, maintenance, and additional expenses?
• What type of property do I want to buy? Do I prefer an apartment, a chalet, or a single-family home?
• What features are important to me, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, balconies, and storage space?
• What are my priorities regarding location, such as proximity to schools, shops, and public transportation?
• Which leisure activities and amenities do I want nearby, such as skiing, hiking, or swimming?

Once you have clearly defined your needs and desires for your dream property, you can contact a professional to present you with suitable available listings.
To gain a comprehensive impression during a viewing and gather all relevant information, you can use our checklist to ensure you ask the right questions.

Questionnaire for Your Real Estate Purchase

If you are considering purchasing a property, it is essential to thoroughly understand the various aspects of a mortgage. This guide outlines the five most important points to consider when applying, along with useful tips for a successful application.

• Choose a bank with extensive knowledge of the regional real estate market to gain valuable insights into local trends, prices, and the best support in selecting the right mortgage loan.
• Creditworthiness: Banks assess an applicant’s creditworthiness before approving a mortgage. Ensure that you have sufficient collateral and a positive credit history.
• Proof of income: Banks require documentation of monthly income and other assets. Make sure you have all necessary documents ready.
• Type of mortgage: Research the different types of mortgages and determine which one best suits your needs.
• Interest rates and fees: Compare the offers from different banks in the region regarding conditions to find the best deal.

When buying a property in the Canton of Bern, the following additional costs may apply:

• Notary and land registry fees: These cover the legal processing of the purchase and the registration in the land registry. They amount to approximately 1% of the purchase price.
• Property transfer tax: This cantonally levied sales tax applies when purchasing real estate. In the Canton of Bern, it amounts to approximately 1.8% of the purchase price.
• Insurance costs: A building liability and household insurance policy is recommended to protect your investment. Building insurance is mandatory in the Canton of Bern.
• Financing costs: When taking out a loan, interest and fees may apply, which vary depending on the canton and individual situation. It is essential to clarify these costs early and factor them into your budget planning.

When purchasing a property, various legal aspects must be considered, including:

• Ownership status and land registry: Ownership details and land registry entries should be carefully reviewed.
• Building and usage restrictions: It is important to be aware of any restrictions regarding construction and property use.
• Building rights issues: Existing building rights and obligations must be clarified.
• Purchase contract: A written purchase contract serves as the legal foundation of the transaction and should be precisely formulated.

A thorough understanding of these aspects is crucial to ensuring a smooth and legally secure property purchase.

In addition to general legal regulations, Switzerland has specific laws governing the purchase of second homes, as outlined in the Second Home Law. This law:

• Limits the number of second homes allowed per municipality,
• Defines the conditions for acquisition,
• Regulates rental conditions for tourists, and
• Determines taxation for such properties.

Buyers should familiarize themselves with the Second Home Law early on to ensure a legally compliant and smooth acquisition.

The handover of a property is a crucial step that ensures both buyer and seller are aware of their rights and obligations. To ensure a smooth process, the following points should be considered:

• Condition of the property: Generally, the principle “sold as seen” applies, meaning the property is handed over in the condition it was in at the time of purchase unless otherwise agreed.
• New build vs. existing property: The handover process varies depending on the type of property. For new builds, some work may still be incomplete, while older properties may require repairs or renovations.
• Key inventory: A complete key inventory ensures that the buyer has unrestricted access to the property.
• Ownership transfer and administrative adjustments: The handover includes the land registry update, officially listing the buyer as the new owner. Additionally, ownership should be reported to the municipality, tourism administration, electricity provider, insurance companies, and property management, if applicable.

Careful planning and consideration of these aspects helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a secure property handover.