Notary and land register: when the property is actually yours
Updated August 21, 20265 min read
A signed purchase contract does not make you the owner yet. Ownership of land arises only on entry in the land register, and the contract is valid only if it was executed as a public deed.
- Required form
- Public deed (Art. 216 CO)
- Transfer of ownership
- On entry in the land register (Art. 656 CC)
- Who executes it
- Independent or public notaries, depending on the canton
The sequence, in the order it happens
- 1Read the notary’s draft deed. Ask for it several days ahead rather than seeing it first at the appointment.
- 2Look at the land-register extract: easements, rights of way, notations and existing mortgage certificates are all recorded there.
- 3Have the bank’s financing confirmation and the payment arrangements ready.
- 4The execution appointment: the notary reads the deed aloud and both parties sign.
- 5Application to the land registry, payment through the notary’s office, entry. Only then are you the owner.
Read the land-register extract yourself, not just the summary in the listing. A registered right of residence, a building right, or a neighbour’s right to build closer changes what a property is worth, and cannot be negotiated away afterwards.
These articles set out Swiss law in general terms and are not a substitute for legal advice on an individual case. Cantonal rules differ. In a dispute, contact the rent conciliation authority or a lawyer.