Buying a home in Switzerland rests on 3 pillars: enough equity, an affordable financial burden and the right mortgage. We explain each step, then connect you free of charge with the best financing and pillar 3a offers.

1. Check your buying power

Banks apply two golden rules. Your theoretical costs (interest calculated at a prudent rate of around 5%, amortisation and maintenance) must not exceed one third of your gross income. In parallel, you must provide at least 20% of the purchase price in equity.

Theoretical costs ≤ 33% of income (calculation rate ~5%)
Maintenance estimated at 1% of the property value
The mortgage covers at most 80% of the price

2. Raise 20% equity

Of the required 20% equity, at least 10% must come from «hard» funds (savings, pillar 3a, gift) — excluding the 2nd pillar. The remaining 10% can be topped up with your occupational pension assets.

At least 10% «hard» equity excluding LPP
Savings, pillar 3a, gift or advance inheritance
Remaining 10%: 2nd pillar (LPP) can be used

3. Use your 2nd and 3rd pillar

Home ownership promotion (EPL) lets you use your pension for your primary residence: early withdrawal (you take out the capital) or pledging (you pledge without withdrawing, to keep the tax advantage). A well-built pillar 3a greatly accelerates the build-up of your equity.

Early withdrawal or pledging of the 2nd pillar
Withdrawal of pillar 3a for the down payment
Open a 3a now to save and reduce your taxes

4. Choose and negotiate your mortgage

Fixed rate for security, SARON for flexibility: the right choice depends on your horizon and risk tolerance. Comparing several lenders can save tens of thousands of francs over the term.

Fixed rate (2 to 15 years): guaranteed payments
SARON mortgage: flexible, market-indexed
Compare banks and insurers for the best rate

The 2 levers to finance your purchase

Your mortgage

Compare fixed and SARON rates from several lenders for free and get the best financing offer.

Your pillar 3a

Build your equity while reducing your taxes. Compare the best pillar 3a solutions.

Frequently asked questions

How much equity do you need to buy in Switzerland?

At least 20% of the purchase price, of which at least 10% in «hard» equity (savings or pillar 3a), excluding the 2nd pillar. For an 800,000 CHF property, that's 160,000 CHF, of which 80,000 CHF excluding LPP.

Can I use my 2nd pillar to become a homeowner?

Yes, through home ownership promotion (EPL): you can withdraw (early withdrawal) or pledge your LPP assets to finance your primary residence.

What financial burden can I bear?

Your theoretical costs (interest at the ~5% calculation rate, amortisation and maintenance) must not exceed one third of your gross income. This is the first calculation the bank makes.

Ready to make your project happen?

Compare the best financing and pillar 3a offers in Switzerland for free. No commitment.