Detached house: all the information at a glance
Owning a detached house is the dream of many people in Switzerland. Comparis provides an overview of the pros and cons as well as the financing. We also answer frequently asked questions on the subject of detached houses.
20.11.2025
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1. Definition of a detached house
A detached house is a house that is built for a family or a household. It comprises only one residential unit. It usually stands alone on a plot of land and offers the residents a lot of privacy, as well as usually a private garden.
There are various types of detached houses. In Switzerland, the following types of detached houses are common:
Terraced houses (residential properties built together in a row)
Semi-detached houses (two residential properties built together)
Detached houses
All types of detached house have different pros and cons. Which house best suits you depends on your needs and the local conditions.
Still looking for your dream home?
Comparis is the largest property portal in Switzerland – here you will find all detached houses in one place.
2. Detached house: pros and cons
A detached house has both advantages and disadvantages. In the table, you can find an overview:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Plenty of privacy and a quiet home | High costs for purchase, construction and maintenance |
| Private garden and lots of open space | High maintenance and time requirements (upkeep, gardening, etc.) |
| Individual design options for construction and furnishing | Location often more rural and less well connected to public transport |
| Increase in value and a good long-term investment | The large amount of space required contributes to urban sprawl and higher land use |
| Few compromises (e.g. with the neighbours) | Limited mobility and flexibility, as selling entails costs and effort |
| High quality of life and tranquillity | Long-term financial burden |
3. How much does a single-family home cost in Switzerland?
Depending on location, size, construction method and fixtures, fittings and amenities the cost of a single-family house in Switzerland can vary greatly. In addition, whether you build a house or buy an existing one has an impact on the costs.
Building a single-family home: costs
In the case of a new build, the first costs are costs of the land, then the actual construction costs, the ancillary construction costs (e.g. for permits, development or fees) and finally the costs for the outdoor facilities. In popular or urban areas, land prices are often a major cost driver.
Purchase of an existing single-family home: costs
When buying an existing single-family home, the Condition of the property plays an important role: older or renovated houses differ greatly from new houses in terms of price and ongoing maintenance. In addition to the purchase price, you must budget for notary’s-, land register- and, if necessary, renovation costs to be incurred. Property in central locations is generally much more expensive than comparable properties in the countryside.
Both when building and when buying, key factors determining the total costs:
Location
Size
Condition
Standard
the current market situation
A new-build usually involves more planning and time required but offers complete freedom in terms of design. The purchase of an existing house is usually faster possible, but may require further investment for renovations or modernisation.
Don’t forget: ancillary costs for a single-family home
Please note that, in addition to the property price, there are also ancillary purchase costs – often amounting to several thousand francs. In our article, we show you which additional costs you should expect when buying a home.
4. Financing a single-family home
Very few people can afford the dream of owning a home without external financing can. The following guidelines apply to financing a property the following guidelines apply:
To take out a mortgage, you must have at least 20% equity available.
The amount of the mortgage depends on the market value of the property.
Your personal income and financial situation influence the amount of the mortgage and its affordability. Tip: With the mortgage calculator from Comparis, you can easily calculate your loan-to-value ratio and affordability.
If you want to build a single-family home , a construction loan could be an option for you. The financial institution provides you with a credit limit, which you can use flexibly and as required.
Our Comparis mortgage service helps you find the right financing solution. Good to know: The Comparis mortgage service negotiates the best price for you. That means you often benefit from special terms.
5. Frequently asked questions about single-family homes
The prices of single-family homes in Switzerland vary considerably. Key factors for the overall cost, both when building and when buying, are:
Location
Size
Condition
Standard
current market situation
To build a single-family house in Switzerland, you usually need a plot of about 400 to 600 square metres. This size should be sufficient for the house itself, the necessary distances from the neighbours, parking spaces and a small garden.
How large the building land must be at a minimum in a specific case depends on the local building regulations (e.g. the so-called utilisation rate) and your own needs. In popular regions, for larger houses or if you want a large garden, a larger area may make sense. It’s best to find out about the local requirements from the municipal authority in advance.
Depending on the type and complexity, a heat pump for a single-family house in Switzerland usually costs between a lower and a significantly higher five-digit amount. As a rule, air-source heat pumps are cheaper than geothermal heat pumps.
Subsidies at the cantonal level can partially reduce the purchase costs. The exact costs depend on the building services, the location and the desired system. It’s best to get a personalised quote.
An emergency generator for a single-family house should have an output of approximately three to seven kilowatts. This allows the most important appliances such as the refrigerator, heating and lighting, and in many cases a few other loads, to be operated reliably.
The exact sizing depends on:
your individual requirements
the size of the house
the desired running time
the connected devices
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This article was first published on 20.11.2025
