How to Make an Offer on a Swiss Property

How offers work in Switzerland

In Switzerland, a property offer is typically made in writing — either by letter or email — through the agent. The offer states the proposed purchase price, any conditions (subject to financing, subject to satisfactory due diligence) and the proposed timeline for completion. The offer is not legally binding — neither party is committed until the notarial deed is signed.

This means that a seller can accept an offer and then receive a higher offer from another buyer, and vice versa. In practice, reputable agents and sellers honour accepted offers, but buyers should be aware that the legal commitment only arises at the notarial deed stage.

Pricing your offer

Pricing an offer correctly is important. In the Montreux market, well-priced properties in prime locations attract competitive interest, and aggressive low-ball offers are counterproductive — they signal a lack of seriousness and can damage the buyer's relationship with the agent and seller.

For properties where there is genuine room for negotiation (those that have been on the market for an extended period, require renovation, or are in less sought-after locations), a discount of 3 to 8 percent from the asking price is typically achievable. For prime properties with direct lake views and high demand, offers at or close to the asking price are more appropriate.

Conditions in an offer

Buyers may include conditions in their offer — most commonly a financing condition (subject to obtaining a mortgage) and a due diligence condition (subject to satisfactory review of the land register and building documentation). These conditions protect the buyer but may make the offer less attractive to the seller.

In a competitive situation, a buyer who can make an unconditional offer — having already arranged financing and completed due diligence — is in a stronger position. Cash buyers who can offer a clean, unconditional offer are particularly well-positioned in the Montreux market.

After the offer is accepted

Once the seller accepts the offer, the parties typically move to a reservation agreement (contrat de réservation) and then to the notarial deed. The period between offer acceptance and signing the deed is typically 4 to 8 weeks — time for the notary to prepare the deed, for the buyer to finalise financing and for any outstanding conditions to be resolved.

Buyers should not consider the transaction secure until the notarial deed is signed. Until that point, either party can withdraw — though doing so after a reservation agreement has been signed may have financial consequences.

Key points

• Offers are not legally binding — commitment only arises at the notarial deed
• Make offers in writing through the agent — state price, conditions and timeline
• Aggressive low-ball offers are counterproductive in the Montreux prime market
• Typical negotiating range: 3–8% for properties with room for negotiation
• Unconditional offers (financing arranged, due diligence complete) are strongest