The right of habitation explained by our Lausanne real estate agents in the media

In an article published by 24heures, our experts at Comptoir Immobilier in Lausanne explain how the right of habitation works—a concept that is still relatively unknown but allows certain homeowners to sell their property while continuing to live there.

The right of habitation: selling your property without leaving your home

The right of habitation allows a homeowner to sell their property while retaining the right to live there. This solution is attracting more and more seniors in French-speaking Switzerland, at a time when property values have risen sharply, while retirement incomes sometimes tend to decline.

It offers the opportunity to unlock part of the value of one’s assets while continuing to live in one’s home and maintaining one’s living environment.

A secure legal environment

In practice, the property is sold, but the seller retains a right of habitation registered in the land registry before a notary, in accordance with the Swiss Civil Code. This right may be granted for life or for a fixed term.

The owner thus continues to occupy their home with complete security, while the buyer becomes the owner of the property, with deferred possession.

An important distinction from usufruct and life annuity

These distinctions and their specific features are explained in detail in the full article, along with a summary table to better compare them. A concrete example is also provided to illustrate their application.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, our team is available to assist you.

Pour toute question ou besoin de précisions, notre équipe se tient à disposition pour vous accompagner.

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