Lex Koller and Lex Weber are the two most important Swiss property laws for international buyers to understand. They operate independently but often apply simultaneously — particularly in Montreux, where both are in force. A clear understanding of each law and how they interact is essential for any foreign buyer.
What each law does
Lex Koller (Federal Act on the Acquisition of Immovable Property by Persons Abroad) restricts who can buy residential property in Switzerland. It requires non-resident foreign nationals to obtain cantonal authorisation before purchasing a holiday home in a designated tourist municipality. It is about buyer eligibility.
Lex Weber (Federal Act on Second Homes) restricts what can be built in municipalities where secondary residences exceed 20 percent of the housing stock. It prohibits new secondary residences in restricted municipalities. It is about property supply and construction.
How they interact
In Montreux, both laws apply simultaneously. A non-resident foreign buyer who wishes to purchase a second home in Montreux must satisfy both: they must obtain Lex Koller authorisation (buyer eligibility), and they must purchase an existing secondary residence rather than a new-build (Lex Weber supply restriction).
The interaction of the two laws means that the available options for non-resident foreign buyers in Montreux are doubly constrained: limited to existing secondary residences (Lex Weber) that carry Foreign Buyer Eligible status (Lex Koller). This is a small subset of the total property market.
Key differences
Lex Koller applies to the buyer — it is a personal restriction based on nationality and residence status. Lex Weber applies to the property and the municipality — it is a structural restriction on what can be built. A Swiss national buying a second home in Montreux is not subject to Lex Koller but is affected by Lex Weber (they cannot buy a new-build second home).
Lex Koller has an annual quota — the number of authorisations granted each year is limited. Lex Weber has no quota — it is an absolute prohibition on new secondary residences in restricted municipalities.
Practical implications for buyers
For non-resident foreign buyers, both laws must be satisfied. The practical checklist is: (1) confirm the property is an existing secondary residence (Lex Weber); (2) confirm it carries Foreign Buyer Eligible status (Lex Koller); (3) apply for cantonal authorisation within the annual quota (Lex Koller).
For Swiss nationals and C permit holders, only Lex Weber is relevant — they can purchase any existing secondary residence in Montreux without Lex Koller authorisation.
Key points
- Lex Koller restricts who can buy — buyer eligibility based on nationality and residence
- Lex Weber restricts what can be built — no new secondary residences in restricted municipalities
- Both laws apply simultaneously in Montreux
- Non-resident foreign buyers must satisfy both laws
- Swiss nationals and C permit holders are only subject to Lex Weber
Montreux Real Estate can guide you through both Lex Koller and Lex Weber requirements. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
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Read →What Is a Secondary Residence in Switzerland?
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Read →Can You Buy a Second Home in Montreux?
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