House renovations in Switzerland

This guide explains what to consider before starting a renovation in Switzerland, from financing home improvements to navigating legal obligations and understanding which types of work need approval. We’ll also cover government incentives, trusted retailers for materials and furnishings, and practical advice for maintaining your home safely. By the end, you’ll have a clear overview of how to plan your Swiss renovation with confidence and avoid costly surprises.

In a nutshell

• Confirm Building Permissions: Renovators face strict building regulations and must confirm necessary planning permission from cantonal or communal authorities to avoid fines or project delays.
• High and Unforeseen Costs: Construction costs are generally high, and financial planners advise a 10–15% contingency in the budget for unexpected labor or material price increases.
• Mandatory Safety Inspections: Homeowners are legally required to schedule regular checks on electrical systems and heating/ventilation equipment to meet safety standards and maintain long-term property value.
• Limited Use of Renovation Funds: Funds from condominium associations (PPE) are for long-term maintenance of shared areas and cannot be used by individual owners for private interior works like kitchen or bathroom remodels.
• International Transfer Fees: Expats funding renovations from overseas can avoid poor exchange rates and hidden bank fees by using a service like Wise, which allows transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees.

How can you finance a home improvement project in Switzerland?

Renovation projects in Switzerland can range from small interior upgrades to large-scale energy retrofits, which can quickly get expensive. Before you get started, it’s important to plan your financing and understand which options are available for you as a homeowner. The good news is that several funding routes exist, depending on your property type, renovation goals and financial situation, to help lighten some of the financial pressure.

The main financing options for Swiss homeowners include:

• Personal savings or equity: Often the simplest way to fund smaller renovations, avoiding debt or interest payments.
• Dedicated renovation or construction loans: Offered by most Swiss banks with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
• Mortgage refinancing or extension: Allows you to increase an existing mortgage to cover renovation costs.
• Cantonal or federal subsidies: Available for projects that improve energy efficiency or sustainability.
• Eco-loans: Green financing options with preferential rates for energy-efficient works.

Below, you’ll find an overview of how each financing option works and which Swiss banks offer renovation support.

Financing with savings or equity

Using your own funds is usually the most straightforward and cost-effective way to pay for renovation work. You can draw on personal savings or home equity, which helps you avoid paying interest and gives you full control over your budget. Financial planners generally advise setting aside an additional 10–15% for unforeseen costs, as there’s always the risk of construction and labour prices exceeding initial estimates.

Taking out a renovation loan

Renovation or home improvement loans are a common choice for property owners who want predictable repayments without adjusting their existing mortgage. These loans usually feature fixed interest rates and repayment terms ranging from two to ten years.

UBS, for instance, offers a Mortgage Renovation Loan that can finance up to 250,000 CHF of renovation costs, based on an upfront cost estimate and final accounting after the work is complete.

Crédit Agricole next bank provides renovation and eco-loans of up to 300,000 CHF, with preferential rates for energy-efficient projects meeting sustainable criteria. Borrowers can also combine renovation financing with an existing mortgage for tax advantages and simplified administration.

You can compare similar offers through local providers such as Banque Cantonale Vaudoise (BCV).

Using mortgage refinancing or extension

If your property has gained value or your existing mortgage balance is relatively low, you might want to extend or refinance your mortgage to release additional funds for renovation work. Typically offering lower interest rates than a personal loan, it lets you spread repayment over a longer period. However, refinancing may involve administrative fees, property revaluation costs and potential early repayment penalties, so it’s worth reviewing all terms carefully before committing.

Trusted lenders offering refinancing options include Raiffeisen and BCV.

Government and cantonal subsidy schemes

Switzerland encourages sustainable housing through energy-efficiency subsidies and grants at both federal and cantonal levels. These programs support projects such as insulation upgrades, solar panel installation and replacing heating systems with renewable options. Homeowners can check their eligibility on the SwissEnergy (EnergieSchweiz) portal for nationwide information, the Building Program website for cantonal subsidies, or the EWZ website for local incentives available in Zurich.

Fund your Swiss renovation from abroad with Wise

Expats who need to transfer money from overseas to pay contractors or suppliers in Switzerland can save significantly by using a multi-currency account such as Wise. International bank transfers often involve poor exchange rates, with markups added to the exchange rate, and hidden bank fees, which can add hundreds of Swiss francs to large renovation payments.

With Wise, you can send money at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, low fees starting from 0.23%, and hold multiple currencies in one account. The Wise debit card and app make it easy to pay for materials or invoices directly in CHF, EUR, or your home currency, making it a simple, secure way to manage renovation budgets without losing money on unfair conversion costs.

What can you use a renovation fund for?

In Switzerland, the term renovation fund usually refers to a shared reserve fund used by condominium associations (propriétés par étages, or PPE). These collective funds are designed to cover the long-term maintenance and repair of shared areas rather than private apartments or houses.

Money from a renovation fund can typically be used for:

• Roof or façade repairs
• Heating system or lift replacements
• Energy-efficiency improvements
• Common-area upgrades such as stairwells or entrances

Funds usually can’t be used for private interior works, such as kitchen remodels or redecorating an individual unit. So, if you own a single-family home, renovation costs are instead covered through personal savings, loans, or mortgage extensions rather than a shared fund.

What government subsidies can I use for a renovation in Switzerland?

Switzerland actively supports homeowners who make their properties more energy efficient. While there are no subsidies for purely aesthetic or luxury upgrades, several national and cantonal programmes offer financial incentives for renovations that reduce energy use or carbon emissions. These can significantly lower the cost of insulation, heating upgrades, or solar installations.

Energy-efficient renovation incentives

The Building Program (Das Gebäudeprogramm / Le Programme Bâtiments) provides grants for improving the energy performance of buildings. Homeowners can receive support for insulation, façade or roof renovation, replacing oil or gas heating systems, and switching to renewable energy sources. The scheme is jointly financed by the federal government and the cantons, with specific grant amounts set regionally.

SwissEnergy support (EnergieSchweiz)

The federal SwissEnergy programme promotes energy-saving technologies and renewable solutions. While it doesn’t usually issue direct grants to private homeowners, it funds pilot projects, energy-advice services and cantonal initiatives, making it a useful starting point for finding local energy-efficiency subsidies.

Cantonal and communal subsidies

Many cantons and municipalities complement national programmes with their own grants, like subsidies for solar panels in Zurich, Basel and Geneva. However, eligibility and application rules vary, so homeowners should check their canton’s energy office website for local details.

Tax deductions and allowances

Homeowners can deduct certain renovation and maintenance expenses that maintain or improve energy efficiency from taxable income. Costs that preserve rather than increase a property’s value, such as replacing a roof or upgrading insulation, may qualify. Deductions are available at federal, cantonal and communal levels, though exact limits differ by region.

Renovations, decorations and common retailers

Renovation work in Switzerland can range from simple cosmetic updates, such as repainting or replacing flooring, to major structural changes like adding an extension or converting a loft. Whatever the scale, careful budgeting and proper authorisation are essential. Many Swiss banks also offer renovation-specific mortgages and advisory services for homeowners, including international buyers.

For larger projects that alter a building’s structure or use, you’ll need planning permission from your local building authority. Application procedures and fees differ between cantons, so it’s best to check the rules on your cantonal government website. Interior work may not always require a permit, but exterior or structural alterations often do.

When shopping for materials, fixtures or furniture, the Swiss market offers everything from DIY-friendly supply stores to high-end design showrooms. For single-family homes or apartments, it pays to compare between budget retailers and premium specialists. Setting aside a 10–15% contingency in your renovation budget is also recommended, as building and labour costs can vary.

Building materials, fixtures, fittings and DIY

If you’re sourcing structural or semi-structural components (like insulation, wood panels, or windows) or doing some DIY, Switzerland has a large network of retailers for all budgets.

Low-to-mid price range

• Hornbach – German-based DIY chain with several Swiss locations, ideal for general building materials and tools.
• Jumbo (formerly Coop Bau + Hobby) – Swiss DIY and garden retailer offering home-improvement and decorator supplies.
• Produx – Specialist Swiss supplier for wood, panel materials, and joinery products used by both professionals and DIYers.
• Typical starting cost: Façade insulation averages around 250–400 CHF per m², depending on thickness and materials.

High-end price range

• Laufen Bathrooms – Swiss manufacturer offering premium ceramic fittings and fixtures.
• Jungheinrich Profi Shop – High-quality equipment and professional-grade building tools.
• Custom joinery and window specialists – Triple-glazed, energy-efficient windows typically start around 400-600 CHF per m².

Household goods

For household goods such as lighting, decor and small furnishings, prices from Swiss retailers range from a few hundred francs for smaller accessories to several thousand for bespoke or designer pieces.

Low-to-mid price range

• IKEA Switzerland – Affordable and popular furniture, lighting, and decor with delivery and assembly options.
• Conforama – Mid-range retailer for home accessories, furniture, and decor.
• Westwing – Online and showroom-based retailer offering curated, design-led furniture and home decor at moderate prices.
• Typical starting cost: Decorative items from 50–200 CHF, and larger furnishings from 500–1,000 CHF.

High-end price range

• Pfister – Swiss furniture and decor chain with premium collections and English-speaking service.
• Vitra – Swiss brand known for designer furniture and iconic modern pieces.
• USM Modular Furniture – Customisable, Swiss-made modular systems for contemporary interiors.
• Typical starting cost: Premium furniture typically from 2,000–3,000 CHF.

Kitchen

​​Kitchens are among the most expensive rooms to renovate, with costs depending on layout, materials, and finishes.

Low-to-mid price range

• IKEA Switzerland – Modular kitchen units and appliances suitable for smaller budgets.
• Hornbach – DIY kitchen cabinets, fittings, and installation materials.
• Typical starting cost: Around 20,000 CHF for basic renovations, going up to 45,000 CHF or more for mid-range setups.

High-end price range

• Boffi – Design-focused kitchen studio offering contemporary kitchens in Switzerland for those seeking more custom and high-quality layouts.
• Poggenpohl – Luxury kitchen manufacturer with select Swiss showrooms.
• Typical starting cost: Around 50,000 CHF to 100,000 CHF or more for custom or luxury kitchens.

Furniture

Furnishing a home in Switzerland can range from mass-market practicality to designer-level investment. The country offers a strong design tradition and a wide variety of local and international brands.

Low-to-mid price range

• Conforama – Affordable furniture and home accessories across multiple styles.
• Micasa (Migros) – Swiss retailer offering modern and family-friendly furniture lines.
• Depot – Good for smaller décor accents and affordable furnishing items.
• Typical starting cost: Around 500 CHF for standard furniture, rising to 1,000 CHF and more for larger pieces.

High-end price range

• Pfister – Extensive designer furniture collections and Swiss-made pieces.
• Vitra – Premium Swiss design house known for modern classics.
• Wohnbedarf – Swiss retailer specialising in high-end, design-led interiors.
• Typical starting cost: From 2,000 CHF upward for signature or design furniture.

Bathroom

Bathroom renovations vary widely in cost based on size, finish, and materials.

Low-to-mid price range

• Hornbach – Offers fixtures, tiles and fittings for smaller or DIY renovations.
• Sanitas Troesch – Mid-range bathroom supplier with showrooms across Switzerland.
• Typical starting cost: Around 20,000–25,000 CHF for an 8 m² bathroom modernisation.

High-end price range

• Laufen Bathrooms – Swiss manufacturer specialising in premium fixtures and modern design.
• Dornbracht – German premium brand offering designer taps, showers, and accessories.
• Typical starting cost: 50,000 CHF or more for full high-end bathroom renovations.

Maintenance and safety

Owning a home in Switzerland is a big milestone, but it also comes with important responsibilities. Beyond everyday upkeep, homeowners are legally required to maintain safe living conditions. That includes arranging regular inspections for electrical systems and combustion appliances, managing any potential risks on your property, and respecting neighbour law. These aren’t just best practices but legal obligations every property owner must follow.

Rules also exist at federal, cantonal and communal levels. In practice, that means scheduling the inspections your installation type requires, preventing hazards like icy paths and avoiding excessive disturbances to neighbours. Failing to meet these duties can trigger liability or enforcement by local authorities.

Electrical safety inspections

All electrical systems in Swiss homes must meet safety standards under the Federal Ordinance on Low-Voltage Installations (SR 734.27), which means having your wiring checked at the required intervals and keeping proof of compliance. Make sure you know your inspection schedule and book a certified electrician when it’s due, as this helps you stay within the law and ensures your home is safe.

Heating, chimneys and air-pollution rules

If your home has an oil, gas or wood-burning system, it must meet emission and performance standards set out in the Ordinance on Air Pollution Control (OAPC/LRV). Cantons are responsible for enforcement, carrying out regular checks to ensure systems comply with emission limits. They can require maintenance, retrofitting or even shutdown if standards aren’t met.

Inspection frequency varies by canton, but oil-fired systems are typically checked every two years and gas-fired systems every four.

Duty of care: snow, ice and site safety

Homeowners are responsible for keeping their property safe for residents and visitors. That includes clearing snow, gritting icy paths, and ensuring outdoor lighting works properly. Failing to do so can lead to liability if someone is injured. Local rules differ between municipalities, so it’s always worth checking what applies where you live.

Neighbour law: excessive disturbances

Swiss neighbour law protects everyone’s right to enjoy their home without unreasonable disturbance. Everyday noise is acceptable, but ongoing disruptions such as construction noise, smoke, or strong odours can result in complaints or legal action.

Preserve value with planned maintenance

Regular upkeep keeps your home safe and helps maintain its long-term value. Swiss homeowner guides recommend setting aside around 1% of the property’s purchase price each year for maintenance, and more for older buildings. Keep a record of repairs and plan ahead for major updates such as roofs, windows, or heating systems based on their lifespan.

Renovations advice in Switzerland

• Plan your budget early – Get several quotes from contractors and include a contingency of around 10–15% for unexpected costs. Don’t forget to factor in permit and inspection fees, which can differ between cantons.
• Confirm building permissions – Even small structural changes can require authorisation. Always check with your cantonal or communal building authority before starting work to avoid fines or project delays.
• Schedule required inspections – Stay up to date with mandatory checks on electrical systems, heating and ventilation. Regular inspections help you meet Swiss safety standards and protect your property’s long-term value.
• Consider financing carefully – Look into renovation loans, mortgage extensions, or available energy-efficiency subsidies. If you need to send money from abroad to pay contractors, a service like Wise lets you transfer funds to Switzerland at the mid-market rate with clear, low fees.
• Document everything – Hold onto every building permit, invoice and warranty. Good documentation makes it simpler to apply for subsidies, file taxes, or handle a future sale.

Useful resources

• SwissEnergy (EnergieSchweiz) – Federal programme promoting energy-efficient building and renovation practices, with links to cantonal subsidy schemes.
• The Buildings Programme – Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE): Information on federal and cantonal subsidies for energy-efficient renovations and renewable heating systems.
• ch.ch: Official guidance on building permits, renovation authorisations, and approval procedures in Switzerland.
• Comparis.ch – Mortgage and loan comparison – Independent Swiss platform for comparing mortgage and renovation loan rates across banks.
• Houzy.ch – Home maintenance and renovation guide – Practical information for homeowners on renovation costs, budgeting, and contractor selection.
• Wise Switzerland – Multi-currency account with transparent, low-cost international transfers and the mid-market exchange rate for funding renovations from abroad.