During the Federal Parliament’s autumn session on 23 September 2026, deputies from across the political spectrum endorsed a motion urging the Federal Council to accelerate its plan to revise the Lex Koller—the law that restricts real-estate acquisitions by persons abroad. The debate follows the government’s consultation draft published in April, but the updated article in The Local indicates growing support for lowering cantonal quotas and extending authorisation requirements to commercial property. The motion targets non-EU/EFTA “third-country” nationals who do not hold Swiss residence permits and seek to buy primary or holiday residences as investment assets. MPs argue the move will help ease Switzerland’s housing shortage, particularly in tourist hotspots such as Verbier and Zermatt where locals are priced out. If Parliament ultimately amends the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad, annual quotas allocated to cantons could drop by up to 30 %, and re-sales between foreign owners would become subject to federal approval. The commercial-property change is especially relevant for multinationals that purchase premises through offshore entities; only companies that actively operate the site themselves would continue to benefit from the current exemption. Global mobility teams should watch the legislative calendar: stricter rules could make it harder for inbound assignees from the US or Asia to purchase homes rather than rent, affecting long-term relocation costs and housing allowances. Corporate real-estate departments planning new hubs in Switzerland may also need to restructure ownership vehicles or consider local joint-ventures. The Federal Council’s consultation runs until 15 July 2027, after which a draft bill will be tabled. Legal advisers recommend preparing impact assessments now, as retroactive application to transactions concluded after the consultation period remains a possibility.
Source: The Local Switzerland
