Compulsory auctions in Zurich: what you need to know
Compulsory auctions: what sellers and buyers of foreclosed properties in the canton of Zurich need to know.
18.10.2022
iStock/AndreyPopov
1. How many compulsory auctions are there in the canton of Zurich?
If someone can no longer pay their mortgage, this can lead to foreclosure and a compulsory auction. In the canton of Zurich, foreclosures are relatively rare. According to debt enforcement statistics, in 2021 there were only 11 real estate liens (the use of the pledged land on the basis of the lien to satisfy the creditor) (link only available in German).
However, such real estate liens represent only a small percentage of compulsory auctions. Most compulsory auctions involve land that is seized and used within the framework of an ordinary debt enforcement procedure. This number is not statistically recorded in the canton of Zurich.
2. How are compulsory auctions carried out in the canton of Zurich?
As in the whole of Switzerland, compulsory auctions take place publicly in the canton of Zurich. The property is sold to the highest bidder. The highest bid is called three times before it is accepted.
Buying and selling property
Even if there is no compulsory auction: buying and selling a property can be an emotional and sometimes complex process. Comparis provides you with information on how to sell your property and how to find a new one – from advertising it to signing the contract.
Free property valuation: do you want to determine the value of a home? The Comparis online property valuation tool will give you an initial indication of a fair market price.
You can find more details about the execution of a compulsory auction in the respective auction conditions.
3. Where can I find information about upcoming compulsory auctions?
Every real estate auction in the canton of Zurich will be published on the following platforms before the auction date:
In addition, debt enforcement offices publish the compulsory auction of a house or apartment in local print media and online.
The listings include the most important key information about the property, the estimated value and viewing dates, as well as the location and date of the auction.
4. Where can I find out more about a compulsory auction?
The execution of compulsory auctions is regulated by the Debt Collection and Bankruptcy Act (SchKG), which is valid as federal law for the whole of Switzerland (link not available in English). However, there are some differences depending on the property.
The details of upcoming compulsory auctions can be viewed in the following documents at the competent debt enforcement office of the canton of Zurich (only available in German):
Auction conditions: these describe the exact procedure of a compulsory auction as well as, among other things, the steps to be taken or the down payment to be made (only available in German).
Schedule of charges: description of the property and overview of all real estate liens to secure receivables and easements (e.g. residential rights) that pass to the buyer when the contract is awarded (only available in German).
