Mortgage Application Intake
Swiss mortgage (Hypothek) intake form covering property details, applicant identity, income, employment, existing debts, equity contribution, AHV, and document upload. Compliant with Swiss banking law and nFADP.
About this template
Applying for a mortgage in Switzerland is a detailed process regulated by FINMA, the Swiss Bankers Association guidelines, and individual cantonal rules. This intake form gathers all the essential information your mortgage advisor needs to begin a formal assessment, from property details and applicant income to existing liabilities and available equity. Completing this form thoroughly reduces back-and-forth and accelerates the underwriting timeline.
What this form collects
- Applicant personal details and AHV number
- Property address, type, and estimated value
- Purchase price and intended use (owner-occupied or investment)
- Employment status and annual gross income
- Existing mortgage or debt obligations
- Available equity and source (savings, Pillar 2 advance, inheritance)
- Supporting document upload (salary slips, tax assessment, property documents)
- Applicant declaration and signature
Swiss affordability rule
Swiss banks apply a stress-test rate of approximately 5% on the mortgage amount plus 1% maintenance costs. Total housing costs must not exceed one-third of gross income. Ensure your income figures are current and accurate to receive a realistic preliminary assessment.
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Brand and configure
Add your institution's name and contact details, and configure the document upload to route to your secure server.
Send to applicants
Share the link via email or embed it in your website's mortgage application page.
Review submissions
Use the completed intake data to prepare the formal credit dossier and schedule the advisory meeting.
Swiss Mortgage Applications: A Complete Guide
Switzerland has one of the highest rates of mortgage debt relative to GDP in the world, yet also some of the lowest default rates. This paradox is explained by the country's conservative lending standards, which have been formalised through Swiss Bankers Association self-regulation and FINMA oversight.
What types of mortgage are available in Switzerland?
Swiss mortgages are typically structured as a first mortgage (up to 65% of the property's loan-to-value) and a second mortgage (up to an additional 15%, bringing the maximum LTV to 80%). The second mortgage must be amortised within 15 years or by retirement age. Fixed-rate, variable-rate (SARON-linked), and hybrid structures are all available.
How much equity is required?
A minimum of 20% equity is required, of which at least 10% must come from non-pension sources (savings, gifts, inheritance, or proceeds from other assets). Up to 10% may come from early withdrawal of Pillar 2 (Pensionskasse) funds under the WEF ordinance. Using Pillar 2 funds reduces retirement savings and may affect insurance cover.
What is the Swiss affordability calculation?
Swiss lenders apply a theoretical stress-test interest rate of approximately 5% rather than the current market rate. To this, they add a maintenance cost allowance of approximately 1% of the property value per year and amortisation payments. The total of these three components must not exceed one-third of the applicant's gross annual income.
What documents are required for a Swiss mortgage application?
Standard document requirements include: the last three months' salary slips or, for self-employed applicants, the last two years' tax assessments; a copy of a valid identity document; extract from the debt enforcement register (Betreibungsregisterauszug); property purchase contract or listing documentation; land registry extract; and building permit or floor plans for new construction.
How does the nFADP affect mortgage data handling?
Mortgage applications contain highly sensitive personal data including income, assets, debts, and AHV numbers. Under the revised Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP, in force since September 2023), lenders must provide a clear privacy notice at the point of data collection, store data securely, and grant applicants the right to access and correct their data.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Swiss residents apply for a mortgage in Switzerland?
Yes, but the rules are more restrictive. EU/EFTA citizens with a B or C permit are generally treated similarly to Swiss nationals. Non-EU foreigners with a B permit face additional restrictions under the Lex Koller legislation for investment properties.
How long does a Swiss mortgage application take?
With a complete dossier, a preliminary decision can often be obtained within 3-5 business days at most major banks and mortgage platforms. Full legal completion, including land registry registration, typically takes 4-8 weeks from offer acceptance.
Is it possible to get a mortgage as a self-employed person in Switzerland?
Yes. Self-employed applicants must typically provide the last two years of audited or certified accounts and tax assessments. Lenders may apply a haircut to variable income components when calculating affordability. A stable two-year income track record significantly improves the application's prospects.