Buying a new-build flat is one of life’s biggest decisions. It’s more than just a financial commitment - it’s an exciting step toward creating a home that reflects your style and aspirations. Yet, from the first spark of interest to receiving the keys, there are many steps, choices, and paperwork involved. Staying organised and following a clear process can help you move forward with confidence - so you can look ahead to your new home with excitement, not stress.
From dream home to concrete project
Purchasing a property is more than a transaction - it’s a meaningful step toward shaping your lifestyle and securing a lasting asset. To begin, take time to define your vision: How do you see your daily life evolving? What size and layout do you need now, and in the years ahead? Are location, natural light, outdoor space, or sustainability features important to you?
Clarifying these personal priorities - from room functionality to architectural preference and neighbourhood character - will help narrow your search and lead you to a home that truly fits your aspirations.
At the same time, it is advisable to draw up a realistic budget plan – including your available funds, the possibility of using pension fund assets and an honest assessment of what monthly payments you can sustain in the long term. It is precisely at this early stage that you benefit from the interaction between our Residential Brokerage and Bank Julius Baer's mortgage advisory services. Our experts carefully analyse your financial options, laying a solid foundation for a well-considered and sustainable decision.
Once promising properties have been identified, the next step is a thorough evaluation. A new-build residence cannot truly be appreciated through floor plans alone. Elements such as ambiance, natural light, micro-location within the development, and the quality of architectural design play a vital role in determining whether a property meets your expectations.
Personal consultation adds significant value at this stage. It provides insightful context on the building’s unique characteristics, potential for customisation or future expansion, and the legal framework governing condominium ownership. Gaining a clear understanding of these aspects early on strengthens your decision-making and contributes to long-term satisfaction -with greater certainty when it comes time to commit.
Financing, reservation and signing the contract
Once you have made your choice and clarified the financing for your dream apartment, the next step is the reservation – a decisive milestone that makes your future home a real commitment for the first time. The signed reservation agreement, confirmation of financing and payment of the agreed fee mark the moment when an option becomes a personal entitlement. This moment often feels like the first ‘point of ownership’: the apartment is now officially reserved for you, it will not be offered to anyone else, and you can relax and concentrate on the next steps. At the same time, the reservation is an important phase of orientation. It gives you time to carefully review the purchase agreement, clarify any final questions and prepare yourself emotionally and organisationally for the upcoming transition.
Shortly afterwards, the formal core process begins: the drafting and careful review of the purchase agreement by the notary. This phase deserves special attention, as it is here that all rights and obligations are set out in a binding manner. While you take your time to review the draft agreement and clarify any open issues, your bank prepares the irrevocable payment promise – a key element for the subsequent transfer of ownership. With the public notarisation and the deposit of your own funds, the purchase is legally confirmed and another significant step towards your new home has been taken. Julius Baer Real Estate and the financing bank will accompany you closely through this phase to ensure that all processes are transparent, understandable and reliable.
Interior selections and move-in planning
A particularly personal phase begins after signing the contract: designing your new home. The buyer support team will invite you to a sample appointmen where you can choose your kitchen, floor coverings, sanitary installations and many other details. Depending on the project, it may even be possible to adjust the floor plan. This phase combines emotion and structure – because while you are shaping your future home, you always have a clear overview thanks to transparent additional costs and clear scheduling.
You will receive your final handover date approximately three to six months before moving in. This lead time gives you space to organise your move, terminate your current rental agreement or, if necessary, sell your existing property – Julius Baer Real Estate can also assist you with the latter. At the same time, the final financing steps are completed so that everything fits together seamlessly.
Shortly before you move in, the first building inspection takes place. Together, you check the apartment, document any defects and give the developer the opportunity to make any necessary repairs. This is followed by the final inspection – a moment that is often marked by anticipation, as you consciously perceive the almost finished apartment as your future home for the first time.
Transfer of ownership
Finally, the big day approaches: the transfer of ownership. Once the entry has been made in the land register, you officially become the owner of your apartment, the bank transfers the remaining purchase price in accordance with the payment plan, and you receive your keys. This moment marks not only the completion of the purchase process, but also the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Depending on the canton, property gains tax is either handled directly by the notary's office or included in the payment plan.
Our experts provide you with comprehensive support: from the initial idea to moving in
Buying a new-build apartment is a complex process – but with the right support, it can be a transparent, secure and enjoyable experience. Julius Baer Real Estate is at your side throughout the entire process, representing your interests, explaining complex issues in an understandable way and combining market knowledge from residential, commercial, corporate real estate and valuation. Together with Bank Julius Baer, you receive comprehensive advice that seamlessly combines financing, tax issues and long-term wealth planning. This allows you to achieve your dream apartment step by step – informed, supported and with peace of mind.
Our compact guide provides additional support with a clear, easy-to-understand overview of all the important stages – so that your journey to your own new-build apartment remains manageable, plannable and well supported at all times.