About Switzerland

The Statistics

Switzerland is a small country between Germany, France, Italy and Austria.  It has a Land area of 41,300 square kilometers, population is 7.4 million (20 per cent are foreigners). National languages are German (63.7 per cent), French (20.4 per cent), Italian (6.5 per cent), Romansh (0.5 per cent). Religions are Roman Catholic (41.8 per cent; 2000), Protestant (35.3 per cent), Muslim (311,000), Jewish (17,900); no religious affiliation (15.4 per cent).

The Country

Switzerland is not the expensive place that popular image displays has long been regarded as the unobtainable and only for the super rich. That is all changing, Switzerland has already modified its employment laws and its property ownership laws, making it easier to work here and buy a property if you are a non resident. Switzerland is a beautiful country with one of the highest standards of living in the world.

For example, it is a very safe country with a low crime rate, there is a faultless public transport system, and it can cost on average less to eat out than in most parts of London. Property including alpine/ski resort property is now more value for money than the French equivalent, and the low taxes and almost zero inheritance tax is something that few other countries can beat. In all it is the perfect place for a second property as a long term investment or just for private use any maybe it becomes the place you could retire to.

The Money

You do not have to be a millionaire to invest or buy a property in Switzerland. The mortgage deposits are around 30% and interest rates are about 2% lower than England. The living costs are comparable to England and property prices are now more competitive than many French resorts. Due to a high standard of living, an excellent public transport system and low taxes Switzerland is fast becoming a desirable place to have a second property.