Statute Text
Fedlex ↗

1Der Anteil von Zweitwohnungen am Gesamtbestand der Wohneinheiten und der für Wohnzwecke genutzten Bruttogeschossfläche einer Gemeinde ist auf höchstens 20 Prozent beschränkt.

2Das Gesetz verpflichtet die Gemeinden, ihren Erstwohnungsanteilplan und den detaillierten Stand seines Vollzugs alljährlich zu veröffentlichen.

Art. 75b BV — Second homes

Overview

Art. 75b BV limits the construction of second homes in Switzerland. The provision originated from the popular initiative «Stop the excessive construction of second homes!», which was accepted on 11 March 2012.

The core rule is simple: In municipalities with more than 20% second homes, no new second homes may be built. A second home is a dwelling that does not serve as a principal residence. The proportion is measured against the entire housing stock of a municipality.

The prohibition applies immediately and directly. Already on the day of the vote, new second home construction permits in affected municipalities became void. This was decided by the Federal Supreme Court in the landmark judgment BGE 139 II 243.

First homes (principal residences) are exempt from the prohibition. However, builders must credibly demonstrate that the planned dwelling will actually be used as a principal residence. In case of suspected abuse of rights, the authorities scrutinise carefully.

An exception exists for second homes with tourism economic benefit. These must be permanently rented commercially and bring something to the local economy.

Example: The municipality of Verbier has a second home share of 75%. There, no one has been allowed to build a new holiday apartment since March 2012. Anyone who nevertheless plans a chalet for holidays can only have it approved as a first home - but must then also live there.

The rule has far-reaching consequences: Property values in affected municipalities fell dramatically in some cases. Conversely, no new «cold beds» are created that are only used a few weeks per year.

Nature and heritage protection associations can file appeals against second home construction permits. They see the restriction as an important instrument against urban sprawl in the mountain landscape.

The second home prohibition shows: Direct democracy can also intervene in complex property rights when the people want this.