Buying German property from Switzerland — residence and cross-border work
Resident in Switzerland, income in CHF — and still a mortgage in Germany? It’s possible — but with special requirements on equity, proof of income and choice of bank. As a non resident mortgage, this case needed the right bank from the start, not the first one approached.
In short
Can Germans living in Switzerland finance property in Germany?
Yes. Residence in Switzerland with income in CHF and a mortgage in Germany is possible, with special requirements on equity, proof of income and the choice of bank. More lenders accept a Swiss residence in their country lists than a Swedish or Danish one, so the pool of banks is somewhat wider.
Loan to value: how is CHF income assessed, and how much equity is needed?
Banks that accept a Swiss residence apply a safety discount of 10–50 % on the CHF income converted into euros, depending on currency and type of income. Loan-to-value is 60–100 %, depending on income type and creditworthiness; expect up to 40 % equity depending on the case, plus incidental costs.
Market reference values, Germany
Market reference values for Germany, as of 06/2026 — not offers; terms depend on creditworthiness and the property. KfW funding modules depend on the project and on owner-occupation, with eligibility assessed case by case. Sources: Deutsche Bundesbank (MFI interest-rate statistics), KfW, Dr. Klein.
Can you get a German mortgage while living in Switzerland?
Yes — and the constellation is more workable than its reputation suggests. Compared with other third countries, Switzerland brings proximity, a stable legal environment and employment records that German lenders can read.
Income in francs is credited with a safety discount of 10 to 50 % on the converted euro amount rather than in full; the loan-to-value runs at 60 to 100 % depending on income type and credit standing, so equity reaches up to 40 % plus purchase costs. Most banks do not charge an interest premium. What differs is the file: proof of income has to cover a longer period than for a resident borrower. Pension fund capital can serve as equity, but only for an owner-occupied main residence — an early withdrawal under the WEF rules of the BVG is excluded by law for investment property, letting and second homes. Cross-border commuters and long-term residents are both familiar ground.
Swiss residence at a glance
Why a Swiss residence is its own category
Switzerland is not an EU member — and more German lenders admit a Swiss residence in their country lists than a Swedish or Danish one. That is an important advantage: the choice of banks is somewhat wider than for tax non-residents from Sweden or Denmark.
At the same time, Switzerland is a challenge of its own: income in CHF is assessed by many banks with discounts, because the foreign-currency risk remains. Banks that accept a Swiss residence calculate with a safety discount of 10–50 % on the CHF income converted into euros, depending on currency and type of income.
Pension-fund money is an important equity element in the Swiss constellation — but only for owner-occupation as your main residence. An early withdrawal under Swiss home-ownership promotion (WEF/BVG) is legally excluded for investment properties, rental, or second homes; the pension fund also typically requires you to relocate your residence to Germany. For a rented-out property this route is not available. Swiss banks confirm the entitlement; German banks assess it differently. I know the banks that accept it.
What's realistic
- Loan-to-value: 60–100 %, depending on income type and creditworthiness
- Equity: up to 40 % depending on the case, plus incidental costs (notary, land register, property transfer tax)
- Fixed-interest period: 5, 10, 15 or 20 years — the same as for a German residence
- Interest rate: close to standard terms; some banks calculate a +0.1–0.3 % surcharge
- Mortgaged property: the property is in Germany — valued at the German market value
- Notary appointment: in person in Germany or a power of attorney certified by a Swiss notary
Financing from other countries
UAE & Dubai
All countries of residence
Australia & New Zealand
China
Elsewhere in the EU
Request a feasibility check
I review your specific financing situation — free, non-binding, in German, English or Russian.