Have you always been interested in owning your very own farm? Once you are ready to make a purchase, you could consider the option to buy agriculture property. By purchasing your own land, you can develop it how you would like and start running a farm when you are ready. You can search for agriculture property to buy

right through ImmoScout24. It won't take long and you will find that you can even search by your own parameters, like location of the property, cost, buildings on the site, and other details that may matter to you. When you narrow down your choices, finding the right land will be easy.

Buying agricultural property in Switzerland

Agricultural properties include farmland, meadows, vineyards, alpine farms and farms with residential buildings and agricultural buildings. They are particularly suitable for self-sufficient farmers, transfers of farm ownership to new generations of farmers or as secondary source of income. Owning one of these properties gives you a connection to the land as well as the opportunity to design your own sustainable projects.

Agricultural properties at a glance

• Ideal for self-sustaining farmers, as a form of supplementary income or as a transfer of farm ownership to a new generation of farmers

• Scarcity of land and strict zoning regulations mean properties retain value

• Income generation: independent food production, direct marketing or agritourism

• Purchase only possible with authorisation – regulated by the Federal Act on Agricultural Land Rights (BGBB)

Market overview for agricultural property in Switzerland

Supply is limited, as most plots are located in areas zoned for agriculture and changes of use are severely restricted. Demand primarily comes from farmers, people entering agriculture from other unrelated career fields and new generations of farmers taking over existing farms. Land with good soil quality is rare and expensive in the Swiss Plateau, while mountain regions offer larger areas with lower yields. Sustainable concepts, direct marketing and farming as a secondary source of income are becoming increasingly important.

What costs are involved in purchasing agricultural land?

The total price consists of the value of the land, the buildings and any inventory. In many cases, the Federal Act on Agricultural Land Rights (BGBB) is decisive in determining the capitalised value of the property and sets a limit on the price. Ancillary costs include notary fees, land registry fees and – depending on the canton – potentially also a transfer tax. Ongoing expenses include maintenance, insurance and property tax; capital gains tax may be payable on the subsequent sale of the property. Financing is based on affordability and the capitalised value and requires a deposit. Clarify at an early stage whether there are buildings on leased land or other existing lease agreements that will affect the purchase.

A step-by-step guide to deciding whether an agricultural property is right for you

1. Define your goals and usage concept: full-time income generation, second income stream or a transfer of farm ownership to a new generation of farmers.

2. Set a budget and clarify financing with your bank (deposit, affordability, mortgage).

3. Evaluate the location: soil quality, access to water, utilities, altitude.

4. Look into the legal framework: agricultural zoning, required permits in accordance with the Federal Act on Agricultural Land Rights (BGBB), easements and rights of way.

5. Analyse the property: condition of the building, energy, direct payments, existing leases.

6. Prepare a feasibility study and organise viewings and surveys.

Next steps

With us, you will find listings for suitable agricultural properties throughout Switzerland. Start your search, compare locations and arrange viewings. Request zoning documentation and copies of land registry entries, as well as financial data and plans so that you can take an informed decision about buying your own farm.