Rent to Buy is a contractual model that combines rental and purchase, allowing you to live in a property today and buy it later under pre-defined conditions.

In Switzerland, it is based on a solid legal framework:

• rental contract
• right of purchase (art. 216a CO)
• notarial deed with Land Registry registration

The process is straightforward:

1. price and conditions are defined from the outset
2. you live in the property while accumulating capital
3. you complete the purchase through a mortgage

Banks require:

• at least 20% equity
• adequate financial sustainability

Rent to Buy allows you to meet these requirements progressively, turning time into an ally rather than an obstacle.

With a traditional mortgage, access to purchase is immediate but contingent on capital availability.

With Rent to Buy:

• you move in immediately
• you build capital over time
• the price is fixed from the start
• you are not exposed to interest rates during the rental phase

It is a solution designed for those with income stability but insufficient liquidity.

Not necessarily.

Depending on the structure of the transaction, the deposit can range from 0% to 10% of the property value.

When applicable:

• it is deposited with the notary
• it is contractually regulated
• it is applied to the final price

No.

A portion of the monthly rent is allocated to capital accumulation, which will be used for the purchase.

This is one of the most significant aspects of the model: transforming an inevitable cost into a wealth-building journey.

It depends on the savings portion allocated.

As an indication: CHF 700 per month corresponds to approximately CHF 42,000 over five years.

This amount is recognised as equity when applying for a mortgage.

Yes.

The Swiss pension system plays a central role:

• the 2nd pillar (BVG) can contribute up to 10%
• the 3rd pillar is considered personal equity and offers tax advantages

During the Rent to Buy period, both components can be strengthened.

No.

The price is defined at the time of notarial deed and remains unchanged for the entire duration of the contract.

This guarantees protection against potential market increases.

Yes.

Rent to Buy does not eliminate the mortgage, but allows you to reach it in a structured way:

• with capital already accumulated
• with a stronger financial profile

The consequences are defined in the contract.

Generally:

• the right of purchase expires
• the amounts paid may not be refunded, in whole or in part

For this reason, the initial planning phase is crucial.

Yes.

It is fully compliant with Swiss law and is based on:

• right of purchase (art. 216a CO)
• notarial deed
• Land Registry registration

This guarantees complete legal protection and enforceability against third parties.

The Swiss model offers a more rigorous and protective structure:

• mandatory notarial deed
• Land Registry registration
• greater legal certainty

The first step is always an accurate financial assessment.

Then:

1. define the budget
2. select the property
3. structure the transaction
4. proceed with the notarial deed

Rent to Buy significantly expands the pool of potential buyers, including those who do not yet have the required capital.

This increases the likelihood of completing the sale.

From the moment of signing:

• possible initial deposit
• monthly rent
• accumulation towards the final price

Swiss tenancy regulations apply, with the relevant legal procedures.

The seller:

• keeps the rent payments received
• may retain the deposit (if applicable)
• regains full availability of the property

• potential market increase beyond the agreed price
• risk of insolvency

Both can be mitigated through proper contractual structuring.

• rent payments received are taxable income
• upon sale, property gains tax applies

A fiduciary consultation is recommended for a precise assessment.

For owners who:

• want certainty on the price
• want to generate immediate income
• prefer a structured and defined process