Incidental costs when buying real estate in Zurich - what you need to factor in
When buying real estate in Zurich, the purchase price is only part of the truth. There are also additional purchase costs that can amount to between 3% and 5% of the purchase price, depending on the property and situation. So that you are not surprised by unexpected additional costs, you will find a clear overview here - including a sample calculation and financing tips.
1. Overview of the most important additional costs
The following additional costs are incurred when purchasing a property:
| Type of costs | Typical share |
|---|---|
| Notary fees | approx. 0.2% - 0.5% |
| Land register fees | approx. 0.2% - 0.5% |
| Transfer tax (ZH) | 0% (in the canton of Zurich) |
| Debt certificate fees (for mortgage) | approx. 0.1% - 0.2% |
| Various expenses (notarizations, statements, etc.) | variable |
Important: In Zurich there is no transfer tax - in contrast to other cantons such as Bern or Lucerne. This significantly reduces the ancillary purchase costs.
2. Notary & land register: What is involved here?
As soon as the purchase contract is signed, notary and land registry costs are incurred. These are regulated by law, but vary slightly depending on the municipality.
Typical items:
- Certification of the purchase contract by the notary Registration of the new owner in the land register
- Deletion of old easements (if desired)
- Creation of mortgage deeds (for mortgages)
Tip: Notary and land registry costs are often split 50/50 between buyer and seller - but this can be agreed individually.
3. Transfer tax in Zurich
Good news for buyers: The canton of Zurich does not levy a transfer tax. In other cantons, this tax is 1-3% of the purchase price - so you save several thousand francs.
However, communal fees or small taxes may apply - check with the municipality where you are buying.
4. Example calculation - condominium in Zurich (950'000.-)
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | CHF 950'000.- |
| Notary & land registry costs (approx. 0.5% | CHF 4'750.- |
| Mortgage note costs (approx. 0.15%) | CHF 1'425.- |
| Various fees & statements | CHF 500.- |
| Total additional costs (approx. 0.7%) | CHF 6'675.- |
➡️ For more complex contracts or higher loan-to-value ratios, the ancillary costs can rise to up to 5% - especially if renovations, estate agent fees or additional legal advice are added.
5. Clever financing of ancillary purchase costs
Most banks assume that ancillary costs are paid from your own funds - they cannot be financed with a mortgage. You should therefore observe the following rule of thumb when buying real estate in Switzerland (including Zurich):
Include at least 20% equity of the purchase price, of which at least 10% must come from “real own funds ” (i.e. not from pension fund money).
You should also have approx. 3-5% available for ancillary purchase costs.
Fundable sources of equity:
- Bank or savings accounts
- Pillar 3a (partial early withdrawal possible)
- Inheritance withdrawals or gifts
- Sale of securities
- Personal contributions for renovations (subject to conditions)
💬 Tip: Some banks offer flat-rate solutions for notary & fees as part of the purchase process - it's worth asking!
Conclusion
When buying real estate in Zurich, you benefit from comparatively low additional costs - mainly thanks to the elimination of transfer tax. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate them: Plan for them from the outset and clarify with your bank how best to finance them.