Switzerland to Limit Foreign Real Estate Purchases

The Swiss government has announced plans to tighten restrictions on foreign real estate purchases in response to growing housing shortages and an upcoming national referendum on population limits. The proposed changes target the existing “Lex Koller” law, which currently regulates non-resident ownership of Swiss property.

According to a statement from the Federal Council issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the government seeks to amend the Lex Koller legislation to impose stricter conditions on buyers from countries outside the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. Under the proposed revisions, such individuals would be required to obtain special permits before purchasing primary residences in Switzerland and would need to sell the property within two years if they leave the country.

The measures also aim to prevent non-EU and non-EFTA nationals from acquiring commercial real estate solely for rental or investment purposes. Access to holiday homes would be further restricted by reducing cantonal permit quotas and enforcing tighter resale regulations.