A House Is a Luxury Today: Our 5 Practical Tips After the 20 Minuten Interview
January 26, 2026 | IMMANO Blog Team
IMMANO in 20 Minuten: We were interviewed by 20 Minuten about buying property in Switzerland. Our core message: for many people, a house is a luxury today, but smart preparation and the right mortgage structure can still make a purchase realistic.
Below are the key takeaways, written for buyers who want clarity on affordability, equity and mortgage strategy.
Why buying a home in Switzerland feels so difficult
Most buyers focus on the headline interest rate. In practice, the decisive factors are purchase price, equity, affordability and bank rules.
- High prices: many regions are expensive, especially city areas and top commuter belts.
- Strict affordability testing: banks use conservative imputed calculations, not today’s low rates.
- Equity: 20 percent is common, and a meaningful part often needs to be liquid.
- Competition: good properties attract multiple bids, which increases time pressure.
Expats, demand and what really matters for financing
The debate often asks whether expats push prices. From a financing perspective, the key reality is: strong demand meets limited supply. If you want to buy, you need a plan that works in competitive situations.
Key point: This is not only a pricing issue. It is a financing issue. Buyers with early clarity move faster and negotiate better.
That is why a pre check is valuable before you fall in love with a specific property.
Our 5 tips for mortgages, equity and affordability
1) Start with affordability, not with the dream property
Run an affordability check including ongoing costs and realistic buffers. This defines the right price range from the start.
2) Structure equity clearly and early
Clarify how much comes from cash, pension assets, pillar 3a or gifts. The source of funds can influence approvals and conditions.
3) Choose the mortgage structure based on your risk profile
SARON can be cheaper, fixed rates provide stability. A split structure is often the balanced choice between cost and certainty.
4) Understand bank rules and prepare the file properly
Strong documentation wins. Income setup, contract type, residency status and the property itself must fit the bank’s criteria.
5) Move fast without overcommitting
In a competitive market, speed matters. With a pre check and clear limits, you can act quickly and still stay financially disciplined.
Conclusion: Luxury, yes, but not impossible
For many households, a house is a luxury today. But luxury does not mean impossible. With clear numbers, well structured equity and a smart mortgage setup, the right deal can still work.
Next step: If you want to know what is realistic for your situation, we can run a quick pre check for affordability and mortgage structure.
Internal link: IMMANO mortgage overview
External link: 20 Minuten article