More and More Swiss Residents Use Pension Assets to Buy a Home

The dream of owning a home remains strong in Switzerland, but financing it is becoming increasingly challenging. High property prices, volatile interest rates, and stricter lending standards are leading more and more buyers to tap into their pension assets. A recent study by Raiffeisen Switzerland in collaboration with the ZHAW sheds light on this trend and provides valuable insights for anyone considering home ownership.

Published on: May 05, 2025 | Reading time: approx. 5-10 minutes

Key Findings at a Glance

• 27% of buyers made an early withdrawal from their pension fund (2nd pillar)
• 7% pledged their pension fund assets instead of withdrawing them
• 20% used capital from pillar 3a
• 16% pledged assets from pillar 3a
• 28% deliberately chose not to make an early withdrawal, mostly due to potential pension reductions
• 17% received financial support via anticipated inheritances or gifts

You can find the full study by Raiffeisen on the use of pension capital for home purchases here.

Financing Between Pension and Responsibility

The study clearly shows: more and more people are using their retirement savings to fulfil their dream of home ownership. For many, this type of financing has become essential—especially in high-price regions like Zurich, Geneva, or Zug. An early withdrawal from the pension fund or pillar 3a can significantly boost equity and thus secure mortgage affordability.

At the same time, deciding to use pension capital for a property purchase is not without risk. Withdrawing retirement funds today can result in lower pension benefits in old age. That’s why it is essential to make such decisions as part of a comprehensive financial plan that considers long-term consequences.

The Path to Home Ownership Requires Foresight

Not only pension assets, but also other sources such as gifts or anticipated inheritances are used in financing today. The road to financing is more individual than ever. Many buyers face questions such as:

• Which type of mortgage suits my life situation?
• What monthly cost can I afford?
• Should I withdraw or pledge my pension fund assets?
• How can I build a financing model that is both flexible and future-proof?

These questions can hardly be answered in general terms. To make sure that the dream of owning a home doesn’t turn into a financial burden, careful planning is key. This is exactly where we come in as experienced mortgage experts.

Your Mortgage – Individual, Sustainable, and Future-Oriented

As independent mortgage experts, we at HYPOHAUS guide you on your path to optimal financing. Our goal is not only to secure the best conditions for you, but to develop a financing model that fits your life plans.

HYPOHAUS offers:

• An independent mortgage comparison across banks, insurance companies, and pension funds
• Personal advice that takes into account your pension, budget, and goals holistically
• Support in making targeted use of your pension capital
• Long-term financing strategies with a focus on sustainability and affordability in retirement

Those who plan early can successfully and safely invest in property—even under challenging market conditions. We support you every step of the way as your reliable financing partner. You can learn more about our services here.