Quo Vadis Lex Koller?

Key Take-aways

1. The history of the Lex Koller is marked by recurring attempts to either relax or tighten its provisions. Key Take-aways Monthly Newsletter Nov 2024 Real Estate

2. The acquisition of certain properties in Switzerland by persons abroad requires authorisation, which is generally denied unless a specific exception applies.

3. The primary exceptions to the Lex Koller are commercial properties, including offices, retail spaces, commerce, industrial facilities, and hotels.

1 Introduction

The Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (BewG) aims to prevent the excessive transfer of domestic land to foreign ownership. Its purpose is to ensure that real estate remains primarily reserved for Swiss residents, maintaining foreign land ownership at a stable and acceptable level. Informally known as the Lex Koller, the act takes its name from Federal Council Arnold Koller, who led the most recent major revision in 1997.