Key facts
- Tax adjustments: The cantons of Zurich, Bern and Aargau have taken measures to adjust real estate valuations to the higher market prices. This leads to higher imputed rental values and higher wealth tax values, which affect many owners.
- Hardship provisions: In some cantons, such as Zurich, hardship provisions are being introduced to protect long-standing property owners from drastic tax increases, while the abolition of the imputed rental value is being discussed nationally.
- Strategic real estate planning: Property owners should proactively address the changes and benefit from professional real estate valuation and expert advice to minimize their tax burden and take advantage of possible sales opportunities.
A property valuation is an essential step in realistically determining the market value of a property and thus making an informed decision about buying, selling or financing. Rising real estate prices and discussions about tax adjustments affect both owners of single-family homes and apartments. This article highlights the latest developments and shows how owners are affected by the new valuation methods and what strategic approaches they can use to maximize their property values.
Why the reassessment is necessary
Real estate prices in Switzerland have risen sharply for several years, which means that the previous tax values in many places no longer correspond to the market reality. Cantons such as Zurich, Bern and Aargau have already taken measures to adjust the valuations of their properties to the current market situation. For example, the property tax values and imputed rental values that owners have to pay tax on have been gradually increased in recent years. These adjustments are intended to ensure that the taxable values reflect the increased market prices and are uniform.
The impact on owner-occupied rental and property tax values
The new guidelines stipulate that the imputed rental value, i.e. the amount that must be taxed for the use of an owner-occupied property, may not be less than 60% of the market rent. As a result of these adjustments, the tax burden for many property owners will increase. Owners in Switzerland must be prepared for an average 10-11% increase in imputed rental values, while property tax values can rise by up to 50% depending on the canton.
The tax authorities in the cantons argue that these adjustments are necessary to take account of the rapid price increases on the real estate market and to stabilize wealth tax revenues. In cantons such as Zurich and Bern, the plan is to implement these new valuations from the 2025 tax period, meaning that owners will have to take the adjusted values into account in their 2026 tax returns.
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Hardship regulations and the discussion about abolishing the imputed rental value
In order to mitigate the increase in the tax burden, some cantons have already introduced or are discussing hardship regulations. The aim is to provide relief for long-term owners who have lived in their properties for many years and are suddenly faced with significantly higher tax bills. In Zurich, for example, a hardship scheme will take effect from 2026 in order to offer socially acceptable solutions until a nationwide legal basis is created.
At the same time, the complete abolition of the imputed rental value is still being debated at national level. This system change could lead to relief for owners in the long term, but remains a politically controversial issue. Should the imputed rental value actually be abolished, new models for taxing owner-occupied residential property would have to be introduced.
Innovative approaches for property owners
It is essential for real estate owners in Switzerland to proactively deal with the upcoming changes. Here are some recommendations:
- Professional real estate valuationAn up-to-date valuation of the property by experts can help to accurately determine the real market value and take advantage of possible tax benefits.
- Strategic planning: Owners should consider whether they want to profit from the current high market prices and sell or whether they want to hold their property for the long term and factor in the necessary tax adjustments.
- Expert advice: As tax regulations vary from canton to canton, it is advisable to seek advice at an early stage in order to make the best possible use of hardship regulations or other tax advantages.
Conclusion
Developments in the field of real estate valuation in Switzerland show how important it is to keep your finger on the pulse. For owners, this means staying informed and, if necessary, seeking expert advice in order to adapt optimally to the new circumstances and minimize tax burdens.
properti supports you as an expert in real estate valuation and consulting and is on hand to answer any questions you may have about the market value of your property. Take advantage of our experience and our service to successfully shape your real estate strategy and benefit from current market developments.
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