Are you considering buying land in Switzerland? Do you wish to build the house of your dreams or construct properties with the aim of reselling them? Building land is a rare resource in the Confederation: only 7% of the existing surface area can [...]
Are you considering buying land in Switzerland? Do you wish to build the house of your dreams or construct properties with the aim of reselling them? Building land is a rare resource in the Confederation: only 7% of the existing surface area can be built on. Demand is therefore strong for land for sale, mainly in large cities and their surroundings, as well as on the shores of the great lakes or in the renowned Alpine resorts. Drawing on its expertise in luxury real estate for sale, FGP Swiss & Alps supports you in your land purchase project and gives you the keys to finding the ideal plot.
Why buy land in Switzerland?
Why look for land for sale in Switzerland? Buying a plot in Switzerland offers multiple advantages. Firstly, you have the possibility of choosing the location of your future residence within the limits of available land, whether in the mountains (Crans-Montana, Haute-Nendaz…), on the shores of Lake Geneva (Perroy, Vandœuvres, Founex…), in a city or in the countryside, on a hillside or at the gates of a major urban centre.
Secondly, you have the opportunity to build a property according to your tastes and desires, rather than having to adapt to the characteristics of an existing home. With the help of an architect, you will design the house or chalet of your dreams, deciding on the surface area, the layout of living spaces, the number of bedrooms, or the orientation of the rooms (within the limits set by legislation).
Finally, buying land in Switzerland is a profitable long-term investment. Given the rarity of this type of property and the strong demand, the value of your plot will only increase over time, just like the property you will have built on it.
How to find the right land for sale in Switzerland
Several criteria must be taken into account when buying land in Switzerland. First and foremost, you need to select the location of the plot according to your practical needs (or those of your future tenants, in the case of an investment): proximity to roads and public transport, distance to shops and leisure activities, available infrastructure, etc.
Next, it is important to study the topography of the targeted land. Is its surface area sufficient to build the house you have in mind? Is the plot suitable for development? For example, a landlocked plot or one with too steep a slope will make development more complicated.
Then, you must consider local regulations. Obtaining a building permit depends on the rules established by the canton and/or the commune, as well as a number of documents to be provided – detailed project plans, soil studies and other technical reports. In addition, several points must be checked carefully:
- The land use coefficient (the ratio between the surface area of the plot and the maximum authorised living area).
- Any building restrictions: roof shape, acoustic protection measures, height limits, etc. These are indicated in the extract from the land register.
- The viability of the land for sale: whether there are access roads, water pipes, sewage systems, and connections to electricity, telephone and internet networks. If not, the cost of the necessary works must be assessed in advance and included in your budget.
Finally, do not forget to take into account the fees associated with the purchase, which are generally shared between the buyer and the seller – although this is not the case in all cantons. They usually range between 4 and 5% of the sale price.
FGP Swiss & Alps helps you buy land in Switzerland that meets your needs and expectations. Let us take care of your project and invest with peace of mind in a magnificent plot of your choice.
