Swiss Property Guide | Property in Switzerland Services

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Swiss Property Guide Company Services

Mortgage Finance
Property Management
Insurance
Helping you in Switzerland

Mortgages and Finance for Property in Switzerland

We work closely with the Fortis Bank who have a wide range of Mortgage products and extremely competitive rates.

It is advisable to arrange a mortgage in principle before committing to a purchase. This will enable you to find out how much you can borrow so you don’t waste time looking at properties beyond your budget. Even if you haven’t found a property that you wish to buy, we can establish your affordability and issue an approval in principle based on your current financial situation.

If you have already found a property, we will send you a full mortgage application pack via email or in the post. If the property is still under construction, we can keep your file open until you tell us it is ready or finance it during construction.

In Switzerland you will find different types of loans either, Repayment or interest-only for purchase or remortgage. All financing for a swiss property can be made for Swiss and foreign borrowers domiciled in Switzerland. Non-resident foreigners can also purchase property, subject to federal law. Any mortgage must not exceed 80% of mortgage valuation or purchase price (whichever is lower). The usual terms are from 5 to 30 years up to age 70. The interest rates are around 3%

There are two main criteria for determining how much you can borrow: the value of the property and your financial situation.
Most Swiss lenders take into account your existing liabilities, including mortgage/rent payments, personal and bank loans, and maintenance payments. When these are added to your proposed Swiss mortgage payments, the total must not exceed 30% of your gross income (33% of net income). These percentages can vary.
Proof of income is required in all cases. This can be made up of earned income, pension, investment, or rental income. However, not all lenders take all of these into account when determining how much you can borrow.

fortis bank - swiss property mortgage specialists

Property Management.

We offer a total solution for the Management of Swiss Property - this includes Maintenance, Rental Management and Cleaning Services for owners who want a maximum income coupled with first class care for their property

On first entering into the Swiss property rentals business, you are obviously going to worry about getting a good return on your investment, and a bit anxious at the prospect of having strangers in your home and making use of your possessions. It can therefore be tempting to furnish and equip your property 'on the cheap' in the hopes of avoiding costly repairs and replacements.

However, based on experience, this is not a good idea. People generally expect their holiday home to be comfortable and well equipped, a 'home from home', and are more likely to look after your property if they feel you have gone out of your way to make them feel welcome. It is often the simple things, like flowers on a table, that can achieve this.

Good quality furniture that can be easily cleaned, or washable covers will help protect your suite from suntan oil, or food and drink stains. 'Personal touch' items such as vases, pictures, books, and ornaments, should be on shelving set high enough to avoid accidents and small children. Some items, such as videos, microwaves, and satellite TV are regarded as essential, so this should be bourn in mind when furnishing the property. The rates you charge for your Swiss property rental should echo the standard of your furnishings and equipment.

Kitchens should always be fully equipped, with ample cutlery, glass, china and cooking utensils. Fondue and Raclette sets, Bottle opener, Coffee pots, tea pots, juicer, microwave, iron & board, and a washing machine should also be provided. A tumble dryer and dishwasher may also be deemed as essential by some.

A poor quality mattress is enough to ruin anyone's holiday! It is essential that both beds and sofabeds be of good quality and comfortable. Bedrooms should have sufficient storage space, both drawers and wardrobes, with hangers provided.

There will be no shortage of bed linen and towels as we look after all this. Therefore you can have a couple spare set for your personal use. Spare tea towels and tablecloths should also be provided as this isn't part of our linen package.

A complete inventory should be made of everything left in the rental property. This inventory should be checked at the end of each rental and if necessary any deductions for items missing or broken can be made from the damage deposit. We usually look after this when we agree on a rental management contract. You can even take photographs so in the event of a problem you have an unquestionable record of how your property looked beforehand.

House rules should be typed out and left in a prominent spot in the property such as on a hallway table, a kitchen worktop, or even pinned up on the wall. It is also a good idea to leave a 'Guest Manual'. where visitors can leave their comments or complaints. It can be useful in helping you to know their suggestions for improvements.

Local information, maps, places of interest,restaurants and a local contact information should either be sent to the guest beforehand, or left in the property as well as emergency contact numbers for doctors, dentists, hospitals and police. Practical information on how everything works in the property, rubbish disposal, gas bottles etc. should also be provided for your visitors.

Providing a "welcome pack" of groceries can be much appreciated by visitors, particularly those arriving late at night but this is not essential.

We can arrange to rent your property on your behalf and securing bookings for you under our Management Contract.

Swiss Property Management - A full Property Management services contract, along with property maintenance and cleaning to guarantee that your investment receives the best possible care and attention so you can be assured that your home is secure and in safe hands. Whether you use the property purely for your own use, or you rent it out to holiday makers, we can ensure that both yourself and your guests leave with only the utmost praise for both your home and our property management services
Chalet/Apartment Management - We can deal with all your financial commitments such as local taxes, electricity payments, community fees. This will offer you complete peace of mind.
Keyholding in Switzerland
Chalet/Apartment Maintenance
Rental Management
Furnishings
Advertising - Renting out your Swiss property is a business, and as with any business it must be marketed successfully to guarantee a healthy return on your investment. It can be enormously rewarding financially, but also extremely hard work and the advertising of your Swiss property must be strategically placed so it stands out amongst the thousands of others.
Changeovers/Cleaning - We will prepare the house prior to your arrival or the arrival of your holiday makers and will make sure the property is clean.
Holiday Letting Service - Our wide network enables us to rent your property all year round should the demand be there.
Grocery Packs
Property Inspections
Help with Moving In
Gardening - We can look after your garden in summer and take care of cutting the grass or outgrowing trees.
Building Works - Our team can look after the small details, whether it be changing a light bulb to all jobs, like major building project ,refurbishment, wood sandblasting or various carpentry jobs.

Insurance

Buildings insurance is compulsory but not all lenders demand that you take out life cover. AM Services SA can provide independent advice for all your insurance needs.

Household insurance
This covers breaking in, pipes bursting, fire. This household insurance also covers all items that have a value whether financial or sentimental. We can help you define your inventory for your household insurance according to your needs – you will be thus under cover should any bad surprised arise.
Motor Insurance
Should you wish to register a vehicle here in Switzerland you will need a local insurance.
Health Insurance
This insurance is compulsory should you become a Swiss resident. As a holiday maker but owning a property here in Switzerland your E111 form from your insurance or health authority home should be enough although check this before any ski holiday as medical care in Switzerland is very expensive if you are not rightly covered.
Life Insurance

We can provide you with a any insurance quote. Contact us here for more informations.

swiss property insurance - zurich logo

Helping you in Switzerland

Meeting you in Switzerland

We can either meet you at Sion train station or if you rent a car we will directly meet you in the resort. We will show you around your preferred area and advise you on the different developments in each regions. As we are locals we are fully informed of what's is going on!

Organising your stay.

We recommend that you stay at least 2 days so you can get familiar with the region. We can organise your accommodation, either in a local bed and breakfast or in a nice hotel in the valley or up in the mountains.

Help you open a Swiss bank account

This is quite a simple process. You will need to have your passports, a tax return, proof of salary and proof of other debts/mortgages to open a bank account.