Buying real estate is a big project, and it's important to be well prepared before taking the plunge. Here are the 13 steps to a successful real estate purchase in Switzerland:
1. Evaluate your purchasing capacity.
Before starting your search, it's important to know your budget for investing in a real estate project. To do this, you need to take into account your income, expenses and savings. You can also use a mortgage simulator to get an estimate of the amount you'll be able to borrow.
At this stage, a consultation with an independent financial advisor will help you clarify this financial issue.
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2. Do your research and visit properties
Once your budget has been clarified and you have a clear idea of your requirements, you can start your search. There are many ways to search for properties for sale, including specialized websites or using an ad aggregator. Direct contact with a real estate broker in your area can also give you access to offline properties.
3. Make an offer and negotiate the price
Once you've found a property you'd like to buy, you can negotiate the price with the seller. It's important to get professional advice at this stage, such as from a real estate agent or financial advisor. If you agree on the price, you can then formalize your offer to purchase.
4. Pay a deposit to the notary
Once your final offer has been accepted by the seller, you must pay a deposit to the notary. The deposit is usually 10% of the sale price.
5. Search for and obtain financing offers
When you meet with a financial advisor, you'll need to be able to provide a number of important documents, including your identity card, tax return and bank statements. You can then request financing offers from several banks or financial institutions. It's important to compare offers before choosing the loan that suits you best. And don't hesitate to play the competition!
6. The notary prepares the draft deed of sale
Once you've obtained a mortgage offer, the notary prepares the draft deed. This document contains the conditions of sale, such as price, payment terms and mortgage conditions.
7. Check your insurance
Before signing the deed of sale, it's important to check your insurance cover. You need to make sure that you have home and fire insurance to cover your new property. You should also make sure that you have enough money set aside to cover notary fees and other costs associated with buying a home.
8. Sign the mortgage
Once you've signed the draft deed, you need to sign the mortgage. This document is a contract between you and the bank. It stipulates the conditions of the loan, such as interest rates, loan term and monthly payments.
9. Transfer of funds to the notary
Once you have signed the mortgage, you must transfer the funds to the notary. These funds will be used to pay the sale price of the property.
10. Signing the sale at the notary's office
Signing the sale is the final stage in the purchase of a property. At this stage, you sign the deed of sale and receive the keys to your new property.
11. Locking in mortgage rates
Once you've signed the deed of sale, you can lock in mortgage rates. This means that your mortgage interest rate will not change for the duration of your contract (unless you choose a Saron rate).
12. Handing over the keys
Once you have signed the deed of sale, you will receive the keys to your new property. You can now move in.
13. Moving
Moving is the final step in buying a home. It's important to plan your move carefully and make sure you have everything you need to get settled.
