Have you always dreamed of standing on a balcony while you drink your morning cup of tea? Have you thought of being able to enjoy beautiful and breathtaking views of the city or countryside in Switzerland? You can make that dream a reality when you buy a house with balcony. In addition, you will be gaining equity that you

could always sell later if you decide to move. To find the right property, just go to ImmoScout24 and search "house with balcony" You can also search for houses based on location and price as well as by amenities that are important to you.

Buying a stepped-terrace house in Switzerland

A stepped-terrace house offers contemporary architecture, abundant outdoor space and often impressive views. The staggered, recessed storeys provide privacy and create generous roof terraces on every floor. For families and couples, a stepped-terrace house is an elegant alternative to a detached house. Investors benefit from the fact that large, high-quality dwellings like these are particularly attractive; they are frequently located on hillsides in areas with good transport links and amenities.

Stepped-terrace houses: advantages and key features at a glance

• Each floor has its own roof terrace – plenty of light and air, extensive views

• Efficient use of hillside locations, good privacy

• Suitable for families and couples; space for living and working from home

• Important: terrace waterproofing, drainage and thermal insulation

• Investment opportunity: demand for large units, generally low vacancy rates

Market overview: stepped-terrace houses in Switzerland

With 4’840’096 existing properties and a vacancy rate of 1.01%, the Swiss housing market is tight. The vacancy rate for large flats is particularly low (0.76% for more than five rooms), underscoring the attractiveness of high-quality stepped-terrace houses. New flats of all sizes are being built, but stepped-terrace houses remain a niche type of property, especially in urban hillside locations with good public transport links.

Stepped-terrace houses: costs and financing

The total price depends on the location, year of construction, specifications, living space and size of the terrace. In addition to the purchase price, the buy will incur notary and land registry fees and, depending on the canton, potentially a transfer tax. Ongoing costs to budget for include building insurance (organised at the cantonal level), maintenance and a reserve fund for terrace waterproofing. For owner-occupiers, the imputed rental value and mortgage interest are relevant for tax purposes. For investors, rental income is taxable, and property tax must be paid on the property; these taxes vary by canton. A deposit of at least 20% is typical for a property purchase. Affordability is assessed based on whether housing costs amount to a maximum of approximately one third of income and amortisation up to approximately 65% of the mortgage value.

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

1. Clarify your requirements: number of rooms, outdoor spaces, sun exposure and privacy.

2. Assess the location: public transport, slope gradient, access and utilities, noise and wind exposure.

3. Evaluate the fabric of the building: waterproofing, drainage, thermal insulation and moisture protection.

4. Understand the form of ownership: single-family property or privately owned property in a block of flats (house rules, utility costs).

5. Calculate total costs: utilities, maintenance, taxes and financial reserves.

6. Secure financing: deposit, affordability, state and private pension funds.

Next steps

We offer listings for stepped-terrace houses in a range of different regions. Start your search, arrange viewings, and request construction documents and documents covering the details of property ownership. Carefully compare locations, conditions of buildings and costs so you can take an informed decision.