Foreign Buyer Eligible Properties in Montreux

What the designation means

A Foreign Buyer Eligible property is one that has been granted authorisation under the Lex Koller law for purchase by a foreign national. This authorisation is attached to the property itself, not to a specific buyer. When the property is resold, the new foreign buyer can apply for a fresh authorisation within the annual cantonal quota.

The designation effectively creates a sub-market within Montreux: a pool of properties that are legally accessible to non-resident foreign buyers. Properties without this designation cannot be sold to non-resident foreign buyers, regardless of price or buyer intent.

How properties acquire this status

A property acquires Foreign Buyer Eligible status when it is first sold to a foreign buyer under Lex Koller authorisation. Once authorised, the property retains this status in subsequent sales — each new foreign buyer must apply for their own authorisation, but the property's eligibility is established.

Some properties were authorised under earlier, more permissive versions of Lex Koller and may have different size or use conditions attached. Buyers should review the specific authorisation conditions for any property they are considering.

How to identify eligible properties

In property listings, Foreign Buyer Eligible status is typically indicated explicitly — either as a label, a note in the property description, or a specific filter on search platforms. Reputable agents in Montreux will confirm eligibility before arranging viewings for non-resident foreign buyers.

The Swiss land register extract (extrait du registre foncier) will show any registered restrictions or authorisation conditions attached to the property. A notary can verify the status definitively before any offer is made.

Supply of eligible properties in Montreux

The supply of Foreign Buyer Eligible properties in Montreux is limited. The annual quota restricts how many new authorisations are granted, and not all properties in the market carry this status. Buyers should expect a smaller selection than the overall Montreux market and should be prepared to act when a suitable property becomes available.

Off-market properties with Foreign Buyer Eligible status do exist. Working with an agent who has access to non-public listings can expand the available options significantly.

Key points

• Foreign Buyer Eligible status is attached to the property, not the buyer
• Only properties with this designation can be sold to non-resident foreign buyers
• Status is acquired through the first Lex Koller authorisation and carries through subsequent sales
• Supply is limited — the annual quota restricts new authorisations
• Off-market eligible properties exist and are accessible through specialist agents