Just imagine living in the busy and fun cities of Switzerland. You may wish to live right in the city for convenience and excitement. That means you may wish to purchase an apartment instead of a home. A great option would be a balcony apartment for sale. You will be able to wake up each morning and enjoy your cup of tea

standing on a balcony overlooking the city streets. It simply sounds fantastic. If you would like to buy a balcony apartment, then all you need to do is search ImmoScout24. You will find numerous options to pick from so that you can search by location, size, and style.

Buying a stepped-terrace flat in Switzerland

Stepped-terrace flats combine spacious outdoor areas with plenty of light and views. For owner-occupiers, these properties offer a high quality of life without the need for traditional garden maintenance; stepped-terrace flats in desirable locations are also highly sought-after by investors. Whether the stepped-terrace flat is an urban penthouse or located on a stunning hillside, the gentle segue between the indoors and the extensive outdoor space creates a unique atmosphere in the property, making it a comfortable place to live for the long term.

At a glance: stepped-terrace flats

• Ideal for couples, families and people who want to work from home with private outdoor space.

• High quality of life: sun, privacy and a smooth transition to the outdoors.

• More maintenance: pay close attention to waterproofing, flooring, railings and drainage.

• Individual flats within blocks of flats: review the rules governing the property (STWEG), the special rights of use and the renovation fund at an early stage.

Market overview for stepped-terrace flats in Switzerland

Demand for living space is high: the population of Switzerland has changed by 1.54% in three years. With a total of 4'840'096 flats and a vacancy rate of 1.01%, the market remains tight. Stepped-terrace flats are often found in high-quality new builds, as well as in existing properties that have been renovated. Prices can be particularly high in cities and for properties with city or lakeside views, while more remote regions offer a wider range of options, and purchase prices are often lower.

Costs involved in buying a stepped-terrace flat: purchase, maintenance and taxes

Purchase costs include the purchase price, notary and land registry fees and – depending on the canton – potentially a transfer tax, as well. For individual flats within blocks of flats (STWEG), the buyer will also have to pay contributions to the renovation fund and communal maintenance fees. Terraces and flat roofs require regular maintenance. A deposit and a mortgage cover financing; affordability must be assessed, including ancillary costs and taxes (imputed rental value, property tax and tax on assets, which vary from canton to canton). If the property is an investment, the net return after expenses and taxes is decisive.

A step-by-step guide to deciding whether a stepped-terrace flat is right for you

1. Define your needs and budget: rooms, outdoor space, orientation, use.

2. Assess the location: public transport, sunlight, view, noise, topography.

3. Review documents: rules governing the property (STWEG), special rights of use, renovation fund, reports and records.

4. Assess the condition of the property: waterproofing, drainage, insulation, energy, required renovations.

5. Secure financing: calculate total costs, obtain mortgage offer, prepare purchase agreement.

Next steps: search for and view stepped-terrace flats

We have listings for a range of stepped-terrace flats currently available throughout Switzerland. Start your search, request information and arrange viewings. Review your options early and remain flexible – we publish new listings regularly.