Buy an apartment to live in.
Paid in francs or euros, it comes down to three questions: why here, how to finance it, and how you are protected when buying off-plan.
Why the French side of Geneva
- Two to three times cheaper than Geneva, for the same floor area.
- Lower notary fees on new builds: 2–3% of the price, against 7–8% for older properties.
- No nationality or residency requirement to buy in France.
Financing your purchase
French lenders cap your debt ratio at 35% of net income, insurance included. Plan for a 10–20% deposit.
Mortgage in Swiss francs
Cheaper: around 2.85% over 25 years, against 3.85% in euros (rates of 13 October 2026). But you repay in francs: if your income goes back to euros, your payment follows the exchange rate.
Mortgage in euros
More expensive, no currency risk. The right choice if your future in Switzerland is uncertain. With a salary in francs, banks discount your income by 10–20%.
Can you get a mortgage in Swiss francs?
French law allows it if you meet one of two conditions: at least half of your income is paid in francs (for a couple, one salary in francs can be enough), or you hold assets in francs worth at least 20% of the loan. Otherwise the loan is in euros: this is not the bank refusing, it is a consumer protection rule.
Not every bank handles these files: a broker used to cross-border commuters saves time.
Using your Swiss pension (2nd pillar) as a deposit
Your Swiss occupational pension can fund a main residence, including in France. It is often what unlocks a project short on deposit. The withdrawal is taxed and reduces your disability and death cover: run the numbers with a pension specialist first.
Already own a home in Switzerland?
You can increase the mortgage on a Swiss property instead of taking a loan in France: one single loan, but your Swiss assets are committed.
If you keep that property: Switzerland voted in September 2025 to abolish the imputed rental value, expected from 2028, together with the end of mortgage interest deductions. Check the timetable before relying on it.
The zero-interest loan (PTZ)
For a new-build home, it can fund up to half of the purchase in zone A, which covers the French Genevois, interest-free, until the end of 2027. Conditions: it must become your main residence, you must not have owned your main residence in the past two years, and income caps apply.
These caps use your income from two years ago: if you have only just started working in Switzerland, you may still qualify. Have your broker check.
Subject to income conditions, some developments also offer homes under a bail réel solidaire (shared-ownership lease), around 30–40% cheaper. Ask us if you qualify.
Buying off-plan: how you are protected
A bank or insurer guarantees the building will be finished, even if the developer defaults.
35% at foundations, 70% once watertight, 95% at completion, the balance on handover.
After signing the reservation contract, no reason needed. The deposit, from €500 up to 5% depending on the developer, is held by the notary.
1 year for finishing, 2 years for fittings, 10 years for the structure.
French off-plan sale (VEFA), articles L261-1 et seq. of the French Construction and Housing Code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay in Swiss francs?
No. The sale is concluded in euros, before a notary. Swiss franc prices on this site are a conversion at today's rate.
How long does a purchase take?
Two to four months between reservation and signing at the notary. Completion then depends on the construction, shown on each development.
Which taxes once I own the apartment?
No housing tax (taxe d'habitation) on a main residence. Property tax (taxe foncière) is due every year and depends on the town. On new builds it can be fully or partly waived for the first two years: check for your town.
LAMal or French health insurance?
A cross-border commuter living in France chooses between Swiss health insurance (LAMal, a flat premium per person) and the French system (a contribution proportional to salary). The choice is made within three months of starting work and is rarely reversible: settle it with a specialist before you move.
Not moving in straight away?
The apartment can be let in the meantime (LMNP, Jeanbrun), but each scheme has rules before you can take it back to live in. See the Invest page.
General information, accurate at the date of publication. Check your own situation before committing. Buying to let? See the Invest page.
Tell us what you are looking for
The developer of the matching development contacts you directly. Free of charge.