Zurich
The largest and most liquid market in Switzerland: high prices, stable demand, institutional buyers – first-class collateral with correspondingly good conditions.
Service · Real Estate Finance Switzerland
Property Finance in Switzerland for Investors
Real estate finance in Switzerland follows its own rules – from the affordability calculation over the lending limits to the role of pension funds and cantonal banks. Alternate Capital structures existing and project financing for professional investors throughout the Germany, Austria and Switzerland and brings inquiries to the lenders, whose profile fits the Swiss market.
Market logic
What makes real estate finance in Switzerland special
Switzerland’s property market is regarded as one of Europe’s most stable, with correspondingly low interest rates and conservative lending criteria. Two principles shape financing: LTV, commonly limited to 65–75% for income-producing properties, and affordability, assessed using an assumed interest rate materially above the market rate. Together, these determine the amount of debt a property can support.
In addition, there is the federal structure of the lenders: In addition to large banks, cantonal banks, Raiffeisen and increasingly pension funds and insurance companies are shaping the market. For foreign investors, Lex Koller is also relevant, which restricts the acquisition of residential properties by persons abroad – commercial and investment properties are largely excluded, which makes the exact examination of the individual case indispensable.
With a network across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, we assess these requirements and approach lenders whose criteria fit Swiss properties, using targeted rather than indiscriminate outreach.
Regions
Real estate finance Switzerland: from Zurich to Basel to Geneva
Each region has its own price and demand profile.
Geneva and Lausanne
International markets on Lake Geneva with a short supply and high value stability – in demand at property investors with a long horizon.
Basel
Pharmaceutical and industrial location with solid rental and commercial demand – interesting for portfolio and operating properties.
Bern, Zug & Lucerne
From the federal city to the low-tax train: stable regional markets with their own lenders landscape.
ZurichGenevaBaselBernLausanneTrainLucerneWinterthurSt. Gall
Portability
Loading and portability: the two key variables
Unlike in Germany, the focus of real estate finance in Switzerland is on calculative affordability: lenders check whether the running costs – interest at a calculative rate of often 4.5 to 5 percent, amortization and maintenance – maintain a sustainable ratio to income or income. This conservative bill protects against over-indebtedness, but limits the maximum loan amount noticeably.
LTV is the second limit. For income-producing properties, 65–75% is common, with the balance funded by equity. Structuring becomes particularly important for professional investors holding or developing several properties, including how to deploy equity efficiently across a portfolio.
Cross-border thinking: Many of our clients invest in Germany, Austria and Switzerland simultaneously. We structure such portfolios from a process and check which properties achieve the best conditions for which lenders.
Structures
These financing modules are structured for Switzerland
Investment property and portfolio finance
Investment properties and portfolios in Zurich, Geneva or Basel – first-ranking financing and follow-up solutions, adapted to lending and wearability rules. Logic analogous to our Investment property finance.
Project and development financing
Land, construction and sales, structured through banks or integrated Whole loans, with subordination tranche if necessary.
Mezzanine capital
Saving own resources and enabling projects in parallel: Mezzanine capital Germany, Austria and Switzerland-wide active lenders.
Bridge finance
Purchase under time pressure or transition to long-term financing – short-term Bridge finance with clear exit logic.
Frequently asked questions
Real estate finance Switzerland – briefly answered
Can German investors finance in Switzerland?
Yes, acquisition of commercial and income-producing property is largely open. Residential property is subject to Lex Koller restrictions for persons abroad, so eligibility must be checked individually. Finance is provided by Swiss lenders and some lenders active across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Why is the portable loan amount often lower than in Germany?
Because the affordability is expected with a calculated interest rate well above the market interest rate and the lending is more conservative. This limits the loan amount, but ensures high stability.
From what volume do you accompany in Switzerland?
As in the overall market from about €750,000 or the CHF equivalent up to the three-digit million range – portfolio, project development and special situations.
Next step
Structuring the Swiss project
Property, location, funding requirement and own funds: we assess suitable lenders and structures for your project across Switzerland, from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva.
About the author
Jürgen Kronawitter
Jürgen Kronawitter specialises in structured real estate finance. He helps property investors, developers and portfolio owners implement complex financing solutions. His work focuses on structuring and arranging senior loans, whole loans, mezzanine capital and bridge loans, as well as tailored financing for acquisitions, investment properties, developments and refinancing. By combining conventional bank lending with alternative capital sources, he develops financing structures for domestic and international property projects.
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