Buy a townhouse
Buying a terraced house in Switzerland
A terraced house combines privacy with an efficient use of space. It is suitable for couples and families who appreciate having their own garden, as well as for investors focused on stable demand. You benefit from solid appreciation in value and being able to plan a life in a specific neighbourhood.
Terraced house: advantages at a glance
Family-friendly: private outdoor space, often close to schools and public transport.
Usually cheaper than detached single-family homes in the same location.
Energy and maintenance costs are often lower thanks to the compact design.
Aspects to keep in mind: shared fire wall, rules for use of communal areas.
Market overview for terraced houses in Switzerland
Switzerland is changing: in three years, the population has changed by 3.57%. Living space remains scarce; the vacancy rate for flats is 1.01% on average. When new builds are constructed, the focus is generally on larger residential units (4 to 6 rooms), reflecting the demand for family-friendly dwellings. Given these circumstances, terraced houses in good locations are in high demand and usually retain their value.
What costs are associated with a terraced house?
The purchase price and total costs depend on the location, year of construction, the condition of the property, and its energy efficiency rating. Additional costs include notary and land registry fees, potentially a transfer tax (varies by canton), lease interest if the property is built on leased land, and shared expenses for communal facilities. Owner-occupiers will have to pay tax on the imputed rental value, as well as a tax on assets and a property tax; if the property is sold at a later date, capital gains tax will be payable on the sale. To finance the purchase, you will usually need a deposit of about 20%. As a rule of thumb for affordability, living expenses should not exceed around one third of your income. Depending on your bank, you may be able to tap into a state or private pension fund.
A step-by-step guide to deciding whether a terraced house is right for you
Define your goal and budget, obtain preliminary financing approval.
Assess the location: public transport, schools, noise, quality of the neighbourhood.
Look into legal aspects: land registry, easements (rights of way/use), building rights/leasehold, rules governing the property, tenancies.
Assess building fabric and energy efficiency: insulation, heating, sound insulation.
Draw up a cost plan: maintenance, financial reserves, taxes, insurance.
Next steps
We have listings for terraced houses in a wide range of locations. Start your search, contact providers and arrange viewings. Compare options and secure confirmation of financing early on.
