Purchase Costs Calculator — Closing Costs per Canton

Purchase Ancillary Costs in Switzerland — What to Expect?

When buying a property in Switzerland, various ancillary costs arise in addition to the purchase price. These are often underestimated, but depending on the canton they can amount to between 0.5% and over 5% of the purchase price. Those who do not plan for these costs risk a financing gap.

The transfer tax is the biggest variable: it is due upon the transfer of ownership and is levied by the canton. Not all cantons have this tax — Zurich, Zug, Schwyz and others waive it completely. In the cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel, however, it amounts to 3.3% of the purchase price.

Land registry fees are charged for registering the new owner in the land register. They typically range between 0.1% and 0.2% of the purchase price. Notary costs cover the authentication of the purchase contract and also vary by canton (0.1% to 0.3%).

The mortgage note (creation of the deed of debt) is calculated on the mortgage, not the purchase price. Typical costs are 0.1% to 0.2% of the mortgage amount.

Large Differences Between Cantons

The cantonal differences in purchase ancillary costs are significant. The cheapest canton is Zug: without transfer tax and with low fees, buyers pay around 0.5% of the purchase price. The most expensive are the French-speaking cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Geneva, where the transfer tax alone is 3.0% to 3.3% — quickly over 5% with the other fees.

In German-speaking Switzerland, Basel-City leads with 3.0% transfer tax. Solothurn (2.2%) and Basel-Land (2.5%) are also among the more expensive cantons. Anyone looking near a cantonal border should definitely include the cantonal comparison in their location selection.

Don't Forget: Further Costs When Buying a Home

In addition to the purchase ancillary costs calculated here, you should plan for further costs: the bank valuation fee (CHF 300–800), any renovation or refurbishment, moving costs, new furniture and fittings and taking out the necessary insurances (building insurance, household insurance). As a rule of thumb, experts recommend planning for a reserve of 3–5% of the purchase price in addition to equity.