Swiss mortgage FAQ
Answers about down payment, rates, affordability and our calculators.
These calculators do not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Rates, rules and bank policies change. Consult a licensed advisor before any purchase or borrowing decision.
- What is the minimum down payment in Switzerland?
- Banks typically require at least 20% of the purchase price in equity, including up to 10% from the pension fund (2nd pillar). Purchase fees (often 3–5%) are extra and usually not financed.
- What is the 33% rule?
- Indicative housing costs (interest, amortization, maintenance) should not exceed about one third of gross household income. It is a common banking guideline, not a law.
- Are displayed rates guaranteed?
- No. We use an editable indicative rate. Real offers depend on profile, canton, bank and market conditions.
- Can I use my pension fund for the down payment?
- Yes, up to 10% of the price from the pension fund under conditions. The remaining 10% must come from other equity.
- What does the rent vs buy tool compare?
- A simplified model: cumulative rent vs mortgage payments, maintenance, interest and property value change. Not a substitute for personalized advice.
- Is my data stored?
- No. Calculations run in your browser. No financial data is sent to our servers.