Bern considers tighter rules on foreign home buyers

The government is proposing tighter restrictions on property purchases by foreigners in a bid to ease pressure on the housing market.

Measures include stricter rules for buying primary residences, cuts to holiday home quotas, and limits on investment in commercial real estate and property funds.

Foreign owners of primary homes could be required to sell within two years if they leave the country, while annual permits for holiday homes would be halved. 

The Federal Council says the move aims to curb speculation and free up housing for residents, ahead of a key vote on population growth in June. 
The proposals are now open for consultation.

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