From Our Blog

Condominium Ownership (Stockwerkeigentum)

Simple majority, qualified majority or unanimity: which rules apply to decisions of the co-owners' assembly in Swiss condominium ownership, and how is voting calculated between those present and those absent?

27 Jul 2025Read article

Immobiliare6 min read

Condominium Ownership (PPP): Warranty Rights for Defects

In Swiss condominium ownership (PPP), warranty rights for defects depend on the type of building part involved (exclusive or common) and the contractual chain. The Federal Supreme Court has confirmed that an individual co-owner may act independently, even for defects in common parts.

27 Jul 2025Read article

Immobiliare5 min read

Real estate reservation agreement in Switzerland

A private real estate reservation agreement is void under Swiss law (art. 216 CO). The deposit is recoverable by the buyer, except for actual costs the seller can prove.

27 Jul 2025Read article

Immobiliare4 min read

Condominium Ownership (PPP): Necessary, Useful, and Luxury Construction Works

Swiss law distinguishes three categories of construction works in condominium ownership: necessary, useful, and luxury. Each requires different majorities at the owners' meeting and provides specific mechanisms to protect minority co-owners.

19 Feb 2025Read article

Immobiliare4 min read

Condominium Ownership (PPP) and Airbnb: Can Short-Term Letting Be Prohibited?

Can Airbnb be prohibited in a condominium ownership? The answer depends on the intended use, the location and the standard of the property.

18 Feb 2025Read article

Immobiliare3 min read

Condominium Ownership (CO)

What to do if the condominium administrator fails to convene the assembly? From the right to request a meeting to court proceedings: the concrete steps under Swiss law.

15 Feb 2025Read article

Immobiliare4 min read

Condominium Ownership (CO): Works on Common Parts Subject to Exclusive Use Rights

An exclusive use right over a common part in condominium ownership does not authorise the co-owner to carry out building works without the consent of the assembly: what Swiss law provides (Art. 712a et seq. CC) and the practical consequences.

15 Feb 2025Read article

Immobiliare3 min read

Purchase of immovable property in Switzerland by foreign nationals

The Lex Koller governs the acquisition of real property in Switzerland by foreign persons: who requires authorisation, which properties are subject to restrictions and what happens in case of non-compliance.

25 Jan 2023Read article

Immobiliare4 min read

Right of purchase and contractual penalty

Does the buyer always lose the amount paid when waiving a right of purchase? A ruling by the Ticino Court of Appeal says no: the contractual penalty may be reduced or refunded.

2 Aug 2022Read article

Immobiliare4 min read

Real Estate Law: The Various Types of Brokerage

Introducing broker, negotiating broker or procuring broker: what are the differences and when is the commission owed? What Swiss contract law provides on real estate brokerage.

18 Jul 2021Read article