Mortgage calculator
Check affordability (33% rule), loan-to-value, and housing costs by Swiss standards. With stress-test interest rate, second mortgage amortisation, and ancillary costs.
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Calculated housing costs (bank view)
Real housing costs (at your rate)
Financing
Rule-of-thumb checks
Note: Bank rules of thumb vary slightly between institutions (stress-test interest rate 4.5–5.5 %, affordability limit 33–38 %, equity requirements). The calculation does not include renovation reserves, own-build contributions, personal debt, or living expenses. Not financing advice.
Frequently asked questions about Swiss mortgages
What is the 33% affordability rule?
A Swiss bank rule of thumb: calculated housing costs (5 % mortgage interest, second mortgage amortisation, 1 % ancillary costs) must not exceed one third of gross income. Above 33 % hardly any bank will lend; between 33–38 % it gets tight; above 38 % it's practically impossible.
How much equity do I need?
At least 20 % of the purchase price. Of this, at least 10 % must come from genuine free assets (savings account, securities, Pillar 3a). The remaining 10 % may be drawn from or pledged against your Pensionskasse (employer pension fund). Pillar 3a counts fully as "hard" equity.
Why is the stress-test interest rate 5%?
Banks assess affordability using a conservative 5 % rate, even when the current market rate is around 1.5–2 %. The buffer ensures you can still afford the mortgage if rates rise. Your actual monthly cash outflow is usually significantly lower.
What happens with the second mortgage?
The portion of the mortgage above 65 % of the purchase price (second mortgage) must be fully amortised within 15 years – or by retirement, whichever is sooner. The first mortgage (up to 65 %) typically stays in place long term.
Can I use my Pensionskasse as equity?
Yes, with restrictions from age 50 onwards (maximum: vested benefits at age 50). However, an early withdrawal means: tax is due on the payout, a gap in your retirement savings, and you still need to provide the 10 % "hard" equity from other sources. Alternative: pledging – simpler from a tax perspective and no pension gap.
See your real affordability
Geldfuchs connects your income, Pillar 3a, Pensionskasse balance, and free assets – and shows you at a glance what you can genuinely afford.
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