Swiss Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Check whether a property is affordable under Swiss lending rules — and see the equity and income you would need.
Uses the standard Swiss test: at least 20% own funds, a 5% imputed interest rate, 1% maintenance, amortisation of the mortgage above two-thirds of value over 15 years, and total costs within 33% of gross income.
How Swiss mortgage affordability works
Swiss lenders apply two tests. First, you need at least 20% of the purchase price as own funds, of which at least half must be “hard” equity rather than pension assets. Second, the theoretical annual cost of the property — calculated at an imputed interest rate of around 5%, plus maintenance and amortisation — must not exceed one third of your gross income.
These rules mean affordability, not the current low interest rate, is usually the binding constraint. Structuring your equity, pillar 3a and amortisation well can be the difference between approval and refusal.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to buy a house in Switzerland?
At least 20% of the price as own funds, plus the ability to carry a theoretical cost (around 5% imputed interest, 1% maintenance and amortisation) within a third of your gross income.
Why is a 5% rate used when mortgages cost less?
Lenders stress-test affordability at a long-term imputed rate of around 5% so that borrowers can still cope if interest rates rise. It is a prudential rule, not the rate you actually pay.
Planning a purchase? Let’s structure the financing.
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