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You’ve just found the property of your dreams! However, behind freshly painted walls and an attractive price, serious issues can sometimes be hidden. Asking the different parties involved in the sale the right questions is essential to protect your investment:

  • The future costs of a property can significantly exceed its purchase price if major renovation work is planned or ongoing expenses are high.
  • Official documents do not always reflect everyday reality: noise, neighbours or future development projects are often only discovered after moving in.
  • A few targeted questions can help you anticipate legal, technical and financial risks before making a commitment.

Meeting the seller: uncovering the property’s history

The seller is often the best source of information about the property’s history. But you need to ask the right questions.

The seller’s reasons and the time on the market

Asking why the property is being sold can help you better understand the context of the transaction. A job relocation, an inheritance or a change in family circumstances do not have the same implications as a sale prompted by recurring problems with the property.

You should also ask how long the property has been on the market. A recently listed property does not necessarily require further explanation, whereas a home that has been available for several months should encourage you to investigate further.

Also ask the seller about previous purchase offers. Did any of them fall through? If so, why? This information may reveal an issue discovered during a property inspection or financing application.

Technical condition and renovations

Any renovations carried out in recent years should be properly documented. Ask for invoices, warranty certificates and the names of the companies that performed the work.

Some parts of a property and its technical systems also have a limited lifespan. It is therefore useful to know:

  • the age of the roof;
  • the date the heating system was installed;
  • the age of the electrical installation;
  • any insulation work already carried out.

The Cantonal Building Energy Certificate (CECB), when available, is also a valuable indicator of a building’s energy performance. It can help you assess potential future energy renovation needs.

Everyday living conditions

The seller knows the property’s advantages, but also its drawbacks. Ask what they like most about living there – and what they like least.

Noise levels can vary depending on the time of day: rush-hour traffic, schools, restaurants, bars, construction sites or industrial activities. These factors may not be noticeable during a viewing that lasts only a few dozen minutes.

It can also be useful to ask about the property’s actual exposure throughout the seasons, the amount of natural light in winter and whether any damp or moisture problems have been observed after heavy rainfall.

Meeting the condominium association or property manager: anticipating hidden costs

It is important to review the condominium documents, as they often provide information that is just as valuable as the property viewing itself.

The financial health of the condominium

Before buying a property, especially an apartment, it is important to find out about the annual condominium charges and how they have changed in recent years.

You should also ask whether any co-owners have significant outstanding payments. A condominium facing financial difficulties may have to postpone necessary work or require higher financial contributions from the owners.

Finally, keep in mind that the minutes of recent owners’ meetings are a particularly useful source of information for understanding the condominium’s current concerns, potential problems and upcoming projects.


Future investments

Work that has already been approved will have a direct impact on your budget, as its cost will need to be included in your financing plan. Ask the property manager about any planned projects:

  • façade renovation;
  • replacement of the lift;
  • building insulation;
  • roof renovation;
  • modernisation of technical installations.

In Switzerland, the renovation fund (or condominium renovation fund) plays an important role in financing future work. Checking the amount available in the fund can help you assess whether the co-owners are likely to face additional financial contributions in the near future.

Meeting the notary: securing the purchase from a legal perspective

A thorough legal review of the property can help prevent unpleasant surprises after the purchase agreement has been signed.

Planning regulations and the property’s surroundings

The notary can draw your attention to restrictions that directly affect the property:

  • Development projects nearby: check whether new buildings, road infrastructure, public transport routes or development zones are planned in the surrounding area.
  • Easements recorded in the land register: identify rights of way, building restrictions or limitations related to heritage protection. These factors can affect the value of the property or restrict future alterations.

Legal compliance and ownership

Several legal and technical checks can ensure that the physical condition and characteristics of the property accurately correspond to the official records:

  • Legality of alterations: make sure that any major modifications to the building have received the required permits in accordance with cantonal and municipal regulations.
  • Cadastral situation: check that the cadastral records accurately correspond to the property you visited in order to rule out any ambiguity regarding property boundaries.
  • Technical reports and assessments: review the available assessments, depending on the canton, such as asbestos inspections for older buildings, the safety of technical installations and energy performance.

Asking neighbours and former occupants

A few minutes spent talking to neighbours can sometimes provide information that is not mentioned in any official document.

Ask them how they would describe the atmosphere in the building or neighbourhood, whether there are recurring conflicts or whether certain problems regularly arise.

You can also ask about recent events, such as flooding, burglaries, disruption caused by construction work or parking difficulties. Comparing several accounts can give you a more objective picture of the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

FAQ

Is it advisable to view a property several times?

Yes, it is! A second viewing, ideally at a different time of day or on a different day of the week, can give you a more accurate impression of the natural light, traffic, noise levels and the property’s actual surroundings.

Which documents should you request before making an offer?

We recommend reviewing the land register extract, the minutes of recent condominium owners’ meetings, the condominium regulations, documentation relating to work already carried out and, where available, the Cantonal Building Energy Certificate (CECB).

Why should you review the minutes of condominium owners’ meetings?

They can reveal planned work, potential disputes between co-owners, financial difficulties within the condominium and decisions that may affect your future costs.

How can you find out whether a neighbourhood is likely to change in the coming years?

Cantonal and municipal development plans, as well as development projects published by the authorities, can help identify future construction projects, infrastructure and urban transformations.

Should you obtain an independent property inspection before buying?

For an older property or one showing signs of wear and tear, an assessment by an independent professional can help estimate the actual cost of necessary repairs and reduce the risks associated with your investment.