
Swiss Mortgage: the key to making your property purchase a reality
Courage is the strength needed to take the first step
Do you dream of becoming a homeowner in Switzerland?
The mortgage is the essential financing solution for realizing your project and buying a home in Switzerland. But with so many different products on offer and so many complex criteria, getting the real estate loan that's right for you can often be an obstacle course.
With over 10 years of expertise and a network of over 30 banking partners, we can help you get the best mortgage on the market. From a detailed analysis of your situation, to the preparation of a concrete file, to the negotiation of financing conditions, we do our utmost to ensure that your mortgage is accepted at the best possible rate.
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Check out our articles and latest news about mortgages in Switzerland and how to access the best mortgage rate.
Finance your property with a mortgage
What is a mortgage or hypothec?
A mortgage is a long-term loan (up to 30 years or more) taken out with a bank or insurance company to acquire a property. In return for the loan, the bank or insurance company takes out a guarantee on the property financed, generally in the form of a “cédule hypothécaire”. In the event of default on repayment, this enables the bank to recover what is owed by way of a pledge (forced sale of the property).
This mechanism explains the generally lower interest rates for a mortgage (currently between 1% and 3%), but also the great selectivity of lending organizations given loan amounts and terms. In Switzerland, mortgage financing is limited to 80% of the value of the property, with the remaining 20% to be contributed by the borrower.
What projects can be financed with a mortgage?
The mortgage is the preferred solution for any real estate project in Switzerland:
- Buying a primary residence (apartment, house)
- Acquiring a second home
- Buying a building plot
- Financing a new home (or even its construction)
- Major renovation work
- Acquiring commercial or professional premises
Only conditions: you must have a personal contribution of at least 20% (including 10% in cash), and the property must be located in Switzerland.

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Specifically for you, we focus on your precise situation. You are unique and your file must be prepared accordingly in order to obtain the best mortgage rate.
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Our mortgage credit experts are available to assist you with the documents you need to provide and to prepare your file. Our aim is to ensure your application is accepted.
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Based mainly on your income, assets and LPP assets, we request offers from banks and insurance companies and then present them to you. The choice is yours.
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Mortgage rates
What are the different types of mortgage available?
Our experts will guide you in choosing the type of mortgage that's most adapted to your situation (age, income, downpayment, in particular), your objectives and your sensitivity to interest-rate risk.

Fixed rate
The rate is guaranteed for a fixed term (usually 2 to 10 years), offering long-term visibility. This is the surest way to protect yourself against a rise in interest rates and to lock in your monthly payments. In Switzerland, the 5 or 10-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular.

SARON rate
The rate follows the trend of a money market reference index (currently SARON, ex-Libor), to which the bank's margin is added. The rate is revised periodically (usually quarterly), so there is a risk of fluctuating monthly payments. In return, the SARON mortgage allows you to benefit from a lower starting rate than a fixed rate.

Mixed rate
A combined mortgage in Switzerland combines a fixed rate for stability and a SARON rate adjustable according to the market. One part of the loan remains at a fixed rate for a set period, while the other follows SARON trends. This formula diversifies risks and optimizes financing costs.
Mortgage interest
Interest, expressed as a percentage of the capital borrowed, represents the cost of the mortgage. It is the most important part of the monthly payments, especially at the start of the loan. Interest rates vary according to several criteria:
- The type of mortgage (fixed, variable, mixed)
- The loan term and rate-setting period
- The amount borrowed and the advance rate (loan-to-value ratio)
- The borrower's profile (income, contribution, age, family situation)
- The guarantees provided (savings, life insurance, provident fund)
- The bank's market conditions and policy
To get the best mortgage rate in Switzerland, the recipe is well known: prepare a strong case and negotiate with the institutions. With this in mind, don't hesitate to call on a mortgage broker, who will be able to highlight your strengths and activate his or her banking network.
Croyez en vos rêves et ils se réaliseront peut-être.
Believe in yourself and they will surely come true!
Martin Luther King
Visionary leader and advocate of equality
What are the conditions for obtaining a mortgage?
Banks are very cautious about borrowers' repayment capacity. Three criteria must be met before a mortgage can be granted:
Equity
A personal contribution of at least 20% of the purchase price is required, with a minimum of 10% in cash (savings, 3rd pillar, donation, for example). The remaining 10% can come from a 2nd pillar pension. Some banks require up to 25% equity for investment properties (rental properties in particular).
Example: for a property costing CHF 1,000,000, you need CHF 200,000 in equity, including at least CHF 100,000 in savings.
Borrowing capacity
The bank assesses the maximum amount that can be financed on the basis of stable and regular income (fixed salary, pensions). Bonuses and allowances are generally not taken into account. The rule of thumb is that the mortgage burden should not exceed one third of income.
Example: with a net monthly income of CHF 10,000, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed CHF 3,300 (i.e. CHF 40,000/year).
Debt ratio
Monthly mortgage payments (interest and amortization) should not exceed 33% of net income, including charges. The ratio can rise to 40% if potential rental income and part of the 2nd pillar are included. The amortization is compulsory to reduce the debt to 65% of the value of the property within 15 years.
Example: with an income of CHF 10,000, the maximum permissible debt (excluding leasing, consumer credit) is CHF 3,300/month.
Our experts will help you optimize these parameters to present a sound case to the banks and get an advantageous mortgage rate. We anticipate their requirements, so you have every chance on your side.
Mortgage costs
In addition to interest, other costs are added to the total cost of a mortgage:
- Fees for the file and appraisal of the property (up to 1000 CHF)
- Notary fees for the deed of sale and mortgage schedule (1 to 3% of the price)
- Land register fees and surveyor's fees (between 0.2 and 0, 5%)
- Transfer tax depending on canton (2 to 5% of property value)
- Property brokerage fees (3 to 5% of price)
- Cost of any bonds and insurance (payment protection, fire, water damage. ..)
These various items can represent up to 5% of the purchase price, or CHF 50,000 for a property worth a million. Of course, you need to include them in your financing plan, in addition to your personal contribution. Our advisors will help you anticipate all the costs involved in your project.
Calculate your borrowing capacity
Use our online mortgage calculator to estimate the amount you can borrow and simulate the cost of your mortgage. In just a few clicks, you can see the impact of different parameters (down payment, interest rate, term) on your monthly payments.
Simply enter:
- Your annual income
- The purchase price of your desired property
- Your total equity
- The term of the rate
Our simulator instantly calculates your maximum borrowing capacity, your monthly payments and the associated effort ratio (expenses/income ratio). You can easily vary the rate and duration assumptions to find the best balance
Get your mortgage and become a homeowner!
Especially for you, we focus on your precise situation. You are unique, and your file must be prepared accordingly in order to obtain the best mortgage rate.
Based primarily on your income, wealth and BVG assets, we request offers from banks and insurance companies and then present them to you. Then it's up to you to choose.
Access attractive mortgage rates
Benefit from the best mortgage rates offered by banks and insurance companies. We offer a range of options to suit your profile:
- Fixed-rate mortgage from 2 to 10 years to secure your financing
- Saron mortgage to take advantage of currently low variable rates
- Combined mortgage to balance risk over time
Our experts analyze market offers with a critical, objective eye to unearth the most relevant opportunities. Their in-depth knowledge of banking criteria means you can get the best terms on your mortgage.
Take advantage of expert advice for your mortgage
Our real estate financing specialists are at your side to build a solid, credible case. Our mission: to accompany you all the way to your mortgage!"
We are involved at every stage of your project:
- Analysis of your situation and objectives
- Structuring your contribution (savings, 2nd pillar, donation... )
- Advice on the best financing strategy
- Setting up the financing plan and collecting documents
- Negotiating with partner banks
- Supervising the file through to signature at the notary's office
- Patrimonial advice and tax optimization
- Renegotiation of your interest rate at loan maturity
Your dedicated contact provides you with personalized follow-up and defends your interests at all times.
We support you in your real estate financing
Whatever your profile (salaried, self-employed, expatriate, retired), we can provide you with an adapted and competitive borrowing solution.
Our priority: enable you to become a homeowner at the best rate!
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FAQ
Answers to your questions
How much do I have to earn to get a mortgage?
To obtain a mortgage in Switzerland, you generally need to demonstrate that your gross annual income is sufficient to cover the monthly payments, which should generally not exceed one-third of your income. Swiss lenders (banks or insurance companies) often require that the total monthly costs associated with the property, including mortgage interest, principal repayments (if applicable), and maintenance (utilities), do not exceed this threshold.
Use our mortgage simulator to get a more precise idea.
In addition, you must provide a down payment of at least 20% of the property’s purchase price (equity), with at least 10% coming from your own savings. Therefore, the specific amount you need to earn depends on the property price, the equity percentage, and the current interest rates. The higher your income, the better your chances of getting a mortgage.
How much equity do I need?
In Switzerland, to obtain a mortgage, you must provide a down payment of at least 20% of the property’s purchase price. Of this 20%, at least 10% must come from your own savings, meaning they cannot be borrowed (savings, Pillar A, financial investments, land, family loan). The remaining 10% can come from your occupational pension plan (BVG). This requirement ensures that you have sufficient funds invested in the property to reduce the lender’s (bank or insurance) risk.
For example, for a property costing CHF 1,000,000, you will need a down payment of at least CHF 200,000, including a minimum of CHF 100,000 from your personal savings.
What are the equity requirements depending on the type of property?
The percentages below may vary depending on the bank or insurance company.
- Primary residence 20%
- Secondary residence 30%
- Luxury property 50%
- Land 40%
- Commercial building 30%
- Investment property 30%
Can I use my retirement savings to buy real estate?
You can use your occupational pension fund as equity. But be careful, the 2nd pillar cannot replace all of your equity! (See “How much equity should I have?”).
Until the age of 50, you can withdraw all of your retirement savings (vested benefits). After the age of 50, you can only withdraw the vested benefits you had at the age of 50 or half of the vested benefits you were entitled to at the time of withdrawal, whichever is higher.
However, if you withdraw money from your 2nd pillar early, your retirement benefits will be reduced, and the exact reduction will be calculated according to your pension fund’s rules.
Refer to OFAS (Federal Social Insurance Office).
What is the difference between a first-rank mortgage and a second-rank mortgage?
Assuming the bank or insurance company lends you the maximum amount, i.e., 80% of the sale price, a first mortgage generally covers approximately 66% of the property’s value. This portion doesn’t need to be repaid because the bank knows it will get this money back even if the property is sold by force.
A second mortgage covers the next 14% of the property’s value. This portion must be repaid within 15 years.
Together, these two portions represent 80% of the property’s value that the bank is lending you, with the remaining 20% coming from your own money.
Even if your loan is split into two parts, you pay interest on the entire 80% that the bank lends you.
What are the costs of a mortgage?
Les frais d’acquisition sont des dépenses supplémentaires qui s’ajoutent au prix d’achat d’un bien immobilier. En Suisse, ces frais varient selon le canton et comprennent :
- droits de mutation : peut varier entre 1% et 4% du prix de vente
- frais de notaire : peuvent varier entre 0.2% et 0.6% du prix de vente
- émoluments du registre foncier (enregistrement de la propriété à votre nom) ~0.3% du prix de vente
- frais de cédule hypothécaire : 2% à 3% du montant du prêt hypothécaire
L’acheteur ou le vendeur, selon le canton, est responsable du paiement de ces frais.
How is the repayment capacity of a mortgage calculated?
A household’s repayment capacity (also known as mortgage affordability) is its financial ability to repay a mortgage loan. It is calculated based on disposable income, the value of the property, interest, and repayment requirements. The monthly payment amount must be less than 33% of household income. Your salary must therefore be at least three times the monthly payment required by the bank.
What is the current benchmark mortgage rate?
The current reference mortgage rate in Switzerland is 1.75%, effective September 3, 2024. This rate is updated quarterly by the Federal Housing Office and serves as the basis for calculating rents in rental contracts. If the average mortgage interest rate rises above 1.87% or falls below 1.63%, this reference rate could be adjusted.
Can I see a sample mortgage calculation?
Ci-dessous figure un exemple de calcul de crédit immobilier (prêt immobilier suisse simulation). N’hésitez pas à utiliser notre calculateur de prêt hypothécaire avec vos données.
- Prix du bien = 1’000’000.-
- Fonds propres (20%) = 200’000.-
- Hypothèque 1er rang = 650’000.-
- Hypothèque 2ème rang = 150’000.-
- Amortissement obligatoire = 10’000.- (150’000 / 15)
- Taux d’intérêt fictif 5% = 40’000.- (800’000 x 5%)
- Frais d’entretien 1% = 10’000.-
- Paiement annuel fictif = 60’000.-
- Salaire annuel requis = 180’000.- (60’000 x 3)
Any other questions?
For any other specific questions, contact us immediately.
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