Can UK Citizens Buy Property in Switzerland?

The post-Brexit position

Before Brexit, UK nationals resident in Switzerland benefited from the bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, which granted EU citizens equal property purchase rights. Following Brexit, the UK is no longer party to these agreements. UK nationals are now treated as third-country nationals under Swiss law.

UK nationals who were already resident in Switzerland before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) retain their existing rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Those who arrived after this date are subject to the new framework.

UK nationals resident in Switzerland

UK nationals who are legally resident in Switzerland — holding a B or C permit — can purchase property in Switzerland. B permit holders can buy a primary residence. C permit holders can buy any property type without restriction.

UK nationals who arrived in Switzerland after Brexit and hold a B permit are in the same position as other non-EU nationals: they can purchase a primary residence but face restrictions on secondary residences and holiday homes.

UK nationals not resident in Switzerland

UK nationals who do not reside in Switzerland are subject to Lex Koller and can only purchase a holiday home in a designated tourist municipality — such as Montreux — subject to cantonal authorisation and within the annual quota.

This is the same position as US, Middle Eastern and other non-EU buyers. The property must be Foreign Buyer Eligible, must be used as a private holiday home, and must meet the size restrictions under Lex Koller.

Practical steps for UK buyers

UK buyers considering a property in Montreux should first clarify their residence status and permit type. Those resident in Switzerland should confirm their permit category. Non-resident UK buyers should focus their search on Foreign Buyer Eligible properties and engage a local notary and specialist agent to manage the authorisation process.

Key points

• Post-Brexit, UK nationals are treated as non-EU nationals for Swiss property purposes
• UK nationals resident in Switzerland before 31 December 2020 retain their existing rights
• UK B permit holders can buy a primary residence
• UK C permit holders can buy any property type
• Non-resident UK nationals can only buy Foreign Buyer Eligible holiday homes with authorisation