Buying a property as a foreigner in Valais

The picturesque Valais region of the Swiss Alps attracts many foreign investors, seduced by its breathtaking scenery and prestigious ski resorts such as Crans-Montana and Verbier, as well as family resorts like Nendaz and Anzère. However, buying real estate in this region as a foreigner has its own set of strict requirements, which it's essential to understand before taking the plunge.

As a foreigner, you need to meet a number of conditions before you can buy property in the Valais. The property must be located in a tourist zone, which means you can't buy just anywhere. In addition, the living area of the property must not exceed 200 m², and the land area is limited to 1,000 m².

In Switzerland, the number of vacation homes or apartments in aparthotels that can be sold to foreigners is subject to a national quota, currently set at 1,500 per year, divided between the cantons. This quota therefore limits the number of real estate transactions possible for foreigners each year, making acquisition more competitive.

Rental rules are equally strict. If the property is a vacation home, you can rent it out temporarily, but not on a year-round basis. If you're buying a second home, renting is totally forbidden. What's more, just like the Swiss, foreigners can't build a second home in a commune where more than 20% of the dwellings are already second homes - a rule that applies to all Valais ski resorts, a regulation put in place to prevent the over-density of this type of property.

Finally, you can only own one vacation home or second home in Switzerland. The process of buying in Switzerland also requires you to go through a local notary, who will oversee the transaction and check that all legal regulations are respected. You will also need to obtain an acquisition permit, issued by the cantonal authorities, before finalizing the purchase.

Despite these restrictions, investing in the Valais remains an attractive opportunity, thanks to its tourist appeal and the stability of the Swiss real estate market.
The CASALP team remains at your entire disposal to provide you with professional support in your real estate projects.