Advisory Guide
Detailed commune-level data for key Swiss resort and residential markets. Each entry covers foreign acquisition conditions, authorisation requirements, typical restrictions and the commune's character as a holiday or tourist destination.
Advisory disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Swiss property acquisition by foreign persons depends on nationality, residence status, property type, canton, commune and individual authorisation. Rules, quotas and zone designations change. Final confirmation must be obtained from the relevant notary, commune and cantonal authority before proceeding with any acquisition.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Property must be used as a holiday home. Commercial rental may be restricted. Weber Act (Lex Weber) limits second homes to 20% of commune housing stock.
Known for
One of Switzerland's most prestigious ski resorts. Strong international demand. Limited supply of new authorisations.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Bagnes. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Car-free commune. Weber Act applies. Very limited new construction.
Known for
Car-free Alpine resort at the foot of the Matterhorn. Ultra-prime international market. Extremely limited supply.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Zermatt. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Plateau resort with panoramic views. International golf and ski destination. Significant international ownership.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Crans-Montana. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Car-free commune. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Car-free glacier resort. Year-round skiing. International clientele.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Saas-Fee. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Part of the 4 Vallées ski area. Growing international market.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Nendaz. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area. Traditional Alpine village character.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Champéry. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Thermal spa resort. Year-round destination. International visitors.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Leukerbad. Notarial advice is essential.
Valais
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Val d'Anniviers. Authentic Alpine character. Growing international interest.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Valais and the commune of Anniviers. Notarial advice is essential.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Established international ski resort in the Alpes Vaudoises. International schools nearby. Year-round destination.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Vaud and the commune of Villars-sur-Ollon. Notarial advice is essential.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Glacier 3000 ski area. Year-round glacier skiing. Traditional Alpine character.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Vaud and the commune of Ormont-Dessus. Notarial advice is essential.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Sunny south-facing resort. International student population. Growing residential market.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Vaud and the commune of Leysin. Notarial advice is essential.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Traditional Pays-d'Enhaut village. Hot air balloon festival. Proximity to Gstaad.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Vaud and the commune of Château-d'Oex. Notarial advice is essential.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Yes — subject to authorisation
Property type
Eligible holiday residence / apartment / villa
Authorisation note
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire an eligible holiday residence in Montreux, subject to prior authorisation under Lex Koller, availability within the applicable cantonal quota and approval by the competent authority of the Canton of Vaud.
Typical restrictions
The property must qualify as an eligible holiday residence. The acquisition is subject to the purchaser's status, the classification and intended use of the property, statutory surface limitations, applicable quotas and individual cantonal approval. Authorisation is not automatic and must be confirmed for each transaction.
Known for
Swiss Riviera. Prime lakeside residential market. International community. Prestigious schools. Cultural heritage.
Note: Montreux is included among the locations in the Canton of Vaud where non-resident foreign nationals may be authorised to acquire eligible holiday accommodation. The availability of authorisation depends on the specific property, the purchaser's status, the applicable quota and approval by the competent cantonal authority.
Vaud
Foreign acquisition
Yes — residents only
Property type
Primary residence / apartment
Authorisation note
No Lex Koller authorisation available for non-resident foreign nationals.
Typical restrictions
Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property in Lausanne under Lex Koller.
Known for
Olympic capital. International organisations. University city. Strong residential demand.
Note: Lausanne is not a designated tourist zone. Non-resident foreign nationals cannot acquire residential property here under Lex Koller.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies. Very limited new construction. Extremely competitive market.
Known for
Ultra-prime international resort. Polo, skiing, social season. Among the most prestigious addresses in Switzerland.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the commune of St. Moritz. Notarial advice is essential.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
World Economic Forum. Largest Alpine resort in Switzerland. Year-round destination.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the commune of Davos. Notarial advice is essential.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Discreet, traditional Alpine resort. Connected to Davos ski area. Strong international following.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the commune of Klosters. Notarial advice is essential.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Car-accessible high-altitude resort. Connected to Lenzerheide. Year-round destination.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the commune of Arosa. Notarial advice is essential.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Freestyle skiing and snowboarding destination. Growing international profile.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the relevant commune. Notarial advice is essential.
Graubünden
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / chalet
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Upper Engadin resort adjacent to St. Moritz. More traditional character. Strong summer and winter seasons.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Graubünden and the commune of Pontresina. Notarial advice is essential.
Bern
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies. Extremely limited supply. Among the highest property prices in Switzerland.
Known for
Ultra-prime international resort. Discreet, traditional Alpine character. International schools. Year-round destination.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Bern and the commune of Saanen. Notarial advice is essential.
Bern
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Eiger North Face. Jungfrau region. Strong international tourism and property market.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Bern and the commune of Grindelwald. Notarial advice is essential.
Bern
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Car-free commune. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Car-free resort above Lauterbrunnen valley. Traditional British following. Lauberhorn downhill race.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Bern and the commune of Wengen. Notarial advice is essential.
Bern
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / chalet / apartment
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Traditional Bernese Oberland resort. FIS World Cup slalom. Growing international interest.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Bern and the commune of Adelboden. Notarial advice is essential.
Ticino
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / villa
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Lake Maggiore. Mediterranean character. International art and cultural scene. Significant international ownership.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Ticino and the commune of Ascona. Notarial advice is essential.
Ticino
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / villa
Authorisation note
Cantonal authorisation required under Lex Koller. Subject to annual quota.
Typical restrictions
Living space approximately 200 m² maximum; land plot approximately 1,000 m² maximum. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Lake Maggiore. Mild climate. Brissago Islands. Quiet lakeside character.
Note: Final confirmation of authorisation availability and quota status must be obtained from the Canton of Ticino and the commune of Brissago. Notarial advice is essential.
Ticino
Foreign acquisition
Yes — subject to authorisation
Property type
Eligible holiday residence / apartment / villa
Authorisation note
Non-resident foreign nationals may acquire an eligible holiday residence in Lugano, subject to prior authorisation under Lex Koller, availability within the applicable cantonal quota, local planning regulations and approval by the competent authority of the Canton of Ticino.
Typical restrictions
The property must be legally eligible for use as a holiday or secondary residence. The acquisition is subject to the purchaser's status, the applicable cantonal quota, local planning restrictions, statutory surface limitations and approval by the competent cantonal authority. Not every residential property in Lugano is automatically eligible.
Known for
Financial centre of Italian-speaking Switzerland. International community. Lake Lugano. Proximity to Milan.
Note: The Canton of Ticino permits non-resident foreign nationals to apply for authorisation to acquire eligible holiday residences within the cantonal quota. In Lugano, eligibility must be confirmed for the specific property, particularly in relation to its authorised use and local planning rules. Prior confirmation from the competent cantonal authority and notary is required.
Uri
Foreign acquisition
Possible — tourist zone
Property type
Holiday home / apartment / hotel residence
Authorisation note
Special federal authorisation framework applies to the Andermatt Swiss Alps resort development. Standard Lex Koller rules apply elsewhere in the commune.
Typical restrictions
The Andermatt Swiss Alps development was granted a special federal exemption allowing foreign acquisition of residential units within the resort. Standard size and use restrictions apply. Weber Act applies.
Known for
Major new resort development by Orascom. Year-round destination. Growing international profile. Significant infrastructure investment.
Note: The special federal authorisation for Andermatt Swiss Alps is specific to that development. Final confirmation of eligibility and current authorisation status must be obtained from the relevant authority and notary.
Important note on this data
The commune-level information above is based on general knowledge of Swiss property law and publicly available information. It is provided for advisory and informational purposes only. Tourist zone designations, annual quotas, commune-level restrictions and applicable rules change over time. For any specific property acquisition, final confirmation of the applicable rules must be obtained from the relevant cantonal authority, the commune and a qualified Swiss notary or lawyer. Swiss Private Group does not provide legal advice and accepts no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information above.
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Swiss Private Group advises international private clients on Swiss holiday home acquisition in resort areas including Verbier, Crans-Montana, Gstaad, St. Moritz, Klosters and Ascona.
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