Buying Property in Geneva: Prices, Types and Foreign-Buyer Rules

Geneva hosts international organisations, banks and commodity traders, with the airport minutes from the centre. Lakeside communes such as Cologny and Pregny-Chambésy are the most expensive. Further along the lake in Vaud, Rolle, Lausanne, La Tour-de-Peilz and Montreux are cheaper alternatives, as are Monthey and Aigle in the Rhône valley.

The federal Lex Koller law restricts purchases by non-residents and many foreign nationals. Foreigners without a settled residence permit generally cannot buy a home in Geneva, and second-home quotas rarely apply there. Residents with a suitable permit can usually buy a primary residence. Mortgages require about 20% equity, at least half of it outside pension funds, and an affordability test. Fees and transfer taxes are substantial; verify them with a notary. See the Switzerland page, apartment listings and financing.