Without wanting to stereotype buyers too much, the list of desires used to be made up of things like good weather; close to the beach; not too far to travel; relaxed lifestyle; low cost of property and cheap living expenses. With the way the world has changed, people still want all of those things, but are also now just as concerned with things like green credentials, capital appreciation and rental yields. How do buyers go about finding all of these things in one property overseas?

One of the most often overlooked solutions to this is buying in Switzerland. This famously-independent nation is not only rich in monetary terms; it has the stunning mountain scenery of the Alps, great food and a family-oriented lifestyle. The country is also one of the easiest in Europe to reach, acting as a hub for many of Europe’s airlines, a destination for high-speed trains and is well-served by road links should you prefer to take your own car. Further servicing the requirements of the modern buyer, Switzerland has some of the cleanest air and natural water supplies in Europe, is perfectly placed as a year-round holiday destination, and has a loyal and growing following among tourists from across the world.

Perhaps in the current climate, the financial part of things is more important than ever, and the fact that Switzerland can offer true year-round rental potential is an important consideration for investors. Holiday home website holidaylettings.co.uk has just published the findings of survey of its members and their motivations for letting out their property. The survey discovered that 84 per cent of their customers rent out their property (in the UK or overseas) out of a necessity to cover their costs or in order to generate extra income. With one third of their customers having a mortgage which is 76 per cent LTV (loan-to-value) or higher on their second property, this is understandable.

The longer buyers are able to generate income from their property, the more potential rental income they can make in any given year. In other words, the length of the rental season can be directly related to the amount of money that can potentially be made from short-term lets. As Switzerland is perfectly set up to take advantage of both the winter skiing and summer outdoor activity seasons, and has great options for access, the potential for rentals is about as good as can be found in Europe.

Those searching for somewhere away from the stress and pollution of living in the UK’s cities will also find that Switzerland offers fresh, clean mountain air and clear meltwater streams of fresh water. Switzerland is famously strict on pollution from cars and industry alike. Even though the beach in a traditional sense is hundreds of miles away from landlocked Switzerland, the huge numbers of mountain lakes make getting to lay out in the summer sunshine next to the waves and enjoy a swim in the bracing waters easy.

Can I buy if I am not a resident?

It all depends. Non residents can buy vacation properties in touristic areas.

European Union citizens who are Swiss residents can buy without restrictions. Other residents can buy one property in Switzerland for their own use.

There’s a special permission to be asked if you want to buy a piece of land larger than 3000 m2.

Can I get a mortgage?

Yes. Foreigners can get between 60 of the house price or bank-appraised value, whichever is lower.

Interest rates are usually very low (10 years average mortgage rates are below 5.

How does the actual buying property in Switzerland process work?

It depends on the canton. In most cantons, once you have agreed on the terms with the seller or his agent, arranged the financing if applicable and obtained your residence permit, you take an appointment with a local notary public.

This is a sworn officer whose responsibility it is to check that the transaction is legal and then to make it happen. He will check that the seller really owns what is being sold, that you have the right to buy it and that you understand what you are buying. The money is paid to the notary and he releases it only when the change of ownership has been properly registered. It should be noted that paying a little extra “under the table” is a criminal offence in Switzerland and should be avoided.

How does the price level of Swiss real estate compare with that of Paris, London, LA?

House prices in most areas of Switzerland are comparable or cheaper than in London, LA or Paris.

Building quality is usually better although interior decoration is not always something you want to keep.

These guidelines are meant for guidance only and describe a straightforward purchase scenarios. However this information is not meant to replace proper legal advice, which we always insist you take.