Hello everyone,
My name is Giada, and I’m a licensed architect based in Switzerland since 2011. I bring extensive international experience to my work, having lived and worked in London before moving here.
Since around 98% of my clients are expats, I’m very familiar with the questions and challenges that international clients often face when starting a project in Switzerland — which can be quite different from the UK and other countries.
While reading through some posts on this forum, I noticed many of the same questions and doubts coming up. I’d be happy to help and answer any queries you may have.
Feel free to get in touch here on the forum. [contacts removed due to forum advertising rules]
We are planning to get our first apartment in Switzerland. We came across a property we like and reserved it immediately. At the time of reservation , in the advertising it was mentioned that the apartment came with a Keller of a 14.5m2 . But we just had a final contact reading with our agent and in the contract it says a Keller with 14m2 in one of the annexures.
We will have our Notary appointment in a couple of days. I am not sure if I should ignore it as it is just a difference of .5 m2. Or raise it after all I am paying for it.
Lot of effort went in arranging the funds and approval for mortgage from the bank. I just don’t want all of it to go in vain.
But Don’t want to be fool and pay more.
Ahhh …..
Thank you for offering to help with doubts.what do
You think should be my next step?
You should definitely bring it up. I’m not sure it’s something you need to make a huge deal over and I wouldn’t consider it to be a dealbreaker but it definitely needs to be brought to their attention.
What was written in the reservation document? The advertising materials may not have been 100% accurate for all the appartements but the reservation document should be.
The most important thing is that what is written in the deeds is what you actually have.
Another thing is could be is that the cellar you bought was 14.5m but someone else decided they wanted that particular one (maybe it was more attractive as it was slightly bigger, or had slightly better access), and you were given theirs instead hoping you wouldn’t notice.
Check the plans - if there are different sizes for the cellars and you see that one is 14m2 and another is 14.5m2 then that would be enough to enquire as to why you got the one you did.
This sort of thing does happen quite a lot with new apartments.
Hi all thank you for your answers. I have a feeling that it is the case as described by @Tom1234 .
It is a 4 apartment building. The other 3 ppl are already done with their notarization. And I am left with the only Keller left now, Which is smaller.
May I please kindly ask which documents I need to carefully review before reaching the notary office?
Right now I have the Kaufvertrag in hand , I have requested for the latest version of the Aufteilungsplänen and Baubescreib. Is this it ? Or there is something more I need to request from the seller/ builder.
Hello,
Congratulations on finding a property you like!
Since we’re only talking about 0.5 m², I’d suggest contacting the real estate agent who advertised the property and asking them to clarify the reason for this discrepancy.
For your information, the cadastral documents are the only official records that legally matter, and these are what the notary will include in the official deed.
Once you’ve clarified the reason, you could try to negotiate an agreement—either on price (e.g., requesting a small reduction or a concession from the current owner) or on practical aspects such as deadlines, cleaning, or survey fees.
Personally, I would definitely ask for clarification, but I wouldn’t compromise your purchase over 0.5 m² of cellar space. While it’s not ideal on their side, it’s a very minor difference and probably not worth losing a property you clearly value.
If you haven’t received them already, be sure to request the cadastral documents, which you should review before your notary appointment. If you notice any further discrepancies, don’t hesitate to raise them and ask for clarification at that stage and before signing any paperwork.
I hope this helps, and best of luck!
Giada