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Switzerland Plans Stricter Rules for Real Estate Purchases by Foreigners

  • by- Zaid
  • Apr 16, 2026
The Swiss government wants to tighten rules that restrict the purchase of real estate in the country by foreigners amid concern over housing shortages and an upcoming referendum on whether to limit the population.
Switzerland Plans Stricter Rules for Real Estate Purchases by Foreigners

April 16: The governing Federal Council said it wants to amend the so-called "Lex Koller" law that limits foreign ownership of Swiss real estate, and will hold consultations on the proposed changes until mid-July.

Proposed Changes

For Non-EU/EFTA Citizens

  • Need to obtain permits to buy main residences

  • Must sell within two years if they leave Switzerland

  • Barred from acquiring commercial real estate purely for rental or investment ends

For Holiday Homes

  • Purchase curbed by cutting cantonal permit quotas

  • Tightening resale rules

Background

Switzerland's higher living standards, strong corporate landscape, and job creation have helped encourage immigration, feeding concerns that public infrastructure is being stretched.

Upcoming Referendum

In June, the Swiss will vote on a proposal that aims to stop the permanent resident population exceeding 10 million by 2050. The Federal Council has urged voters to reject the proposal.