What your flat is allowed to yield: the federal government redefines permissible returns

Anyone who lets a flat sooner or later asks the same question: how much may the rent actually yield before it counts as abusive? For decades, the law has only partly answered it. Article 269 of the Code of Obligations speaks of an excessive return but leaves the definition largely to the Federal Supreme Court. The result is a body of practice that has grown case by case and is barely comprehensible to non-lawyers. The Federal Council wants to change that. On 25 February 2026 it opened a consultation on an amendment to the Ordinance on the Renting and Leasing of Residential and Commercial Premises, which ran until 5 June 2026. For owners of investment properties this is not a legal footnote but a proposal that feeds directly into their own calculations.

A mortgage at 1.4 per cent – calculated at 5: why affordability decides your purchase

At first glance the situation for buyers looks comfortable: the National Bank has kept its policy rate at zero per cent for some time, and in early August 2026 ten-year fixed-rate mortgages were available at around 1.6 per cent and five-year ones at around 1.4 per cent. Nevertheless, many prospective buyers are turned down by the bank – not because they could not afford the interest, but because the bank calculates with entirely different figures from the market. Anyone who understands this mechanism enters a financing discussion far more calmly and knows in advance which property is realistically within reach.

Lex Koller to be tightened: what owners, buyers and investors should know now

The consultation on the revision of the Lex Koller closed in mid-July. That marks the start of the evaluation phase for the federal government – and, for anyone planning to buy or sell a property in the coming years, a period in which forward planning pays off. The direction of travel is clear: the acquisition of residential property by persons abroad is to be defined far more narrowly than it is today. If you own a property, are thinking of selling, or are invested in real estate funds, it is worth knowing what is on the table, even though nothing has yet entered into force.
Below we set out what the proposal covers, who it affects and which considerations already make sense today.

Mortgage rates at a one-year low: Why now is the zime to look at your renewal

Anyone taking out or renewing a mortgage right now will find conditions last seen about a year ago: as of early July 2026, ten-year fixed-rate mortgages are available from around 1.45 percent, and five-year terms at around 1.2 percent. The Swiss National Bank left its policy rate unchanged at 0 percent on 18 June 2026, and most forecasts assume it will stay at this level until the end of the year. For owners whose fixed-rate mortgage expires within the next one to three years, this is a comfortable – but by no means guaranteed – starting position. We explain why an early look at your renewal pays off, and for whom a forward mortgage may be worth considering.

Selling at record prices: how the property gains tax works

Property prices are at record levels: anyone selling a house or flat today that was bought ten or twenty years ago often realises a gain of several hundred thousand francs. But the tax authorities want their share of that gain too – via the property gains tax.
How high the tax turns out depends on factors that many sellers underestimate: from the holding period and the quality of the receipts collected to the question of whether a replacement property is being bought. Those who know these levers and plan the sale accordingly can often reduce the tax burden considerably – entirely legally.

Half-year review 2026: home ownership +4.7 % – a good time for a valuation?

The first half of 2026 is behind us – time to take stock of the Swiss property market. The figures speak clearly: according to the residential property price index of the Federal Statistical Office, prices for home ownership rose by 1.5 percent quarter on quarter in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 126.8 points; year on year, the increase is an impressive 4.7 percent. Single-family homes gained 4.6 percent, condominiums 4.8 percent. Anyone who owns a property has reason to be pleased – and should at the same time ask: what does this mean for my plans? Sell, hold, refinance? A sound answer begins with an up-to-date valuation.

Home ownership taxation: What still applies until 2029 – and what to plan now

On 28 September 2025, Swiss voters approved the abolition of the imputed rental value (Eigenmietwert) with 57.7% in favour. The Federal Council decided on 1 April 2026 that the reform will take effect on 1 January 2029. Until the end of 2028, the current tax rules remain fully in force – meaning: the imputed rental value must be declared as taxable income, and mortgage interest and maintenance costs may be deducted. This transitional period gives property owners an important planning horizon.

SARON or fixed-rate mortgage? Making the right choice in 2026

The Swiss National Bank held its benchmark rate at zero percent on 18 June 2026. For homeowners and prospective buyers, this raises an urgent question: SARON mortgage or fixed-rate mortgage – which is the better choice right now? Both models have clear advantages and disadvantages in 2026 that need to be carefully weighed.

Reference interest rate holds at 1.25%: Check your rent situation now

The mortgage reference interest rate remains at 1.25 percent, holding steady at its lowest ever level since September 2025. The Federal Office for Housing (FOH) confirmed the updated figures as of 2 July 2026. What does this mean in practice for tenants — and for landlords?

SNB interest-rate decision of 18 June – what owners and buyers should know

On 18 June 2026, the Swiss National Bank publishes its next monetary policy assessment. For anyone who owns, finances or wants to buy a property, this is an important date – because the policy rate indirectly shapes mortgage conditions. We explain what to expect and what matters for your financing.

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