# FAQ — Frequently asked questions, real estate in French-speaking Switzerland

> URL canonique : https://www.emoh-swiss.ch/en/faq

## How much does a property valuation cost at EMOH?

The initial valuation is free and without obligation. An agent visits your property, analyses recent comparables in French-speaking Switzerland and delivers a substantiated price range within 5 working days.

## What is EMOH's commission for selling a property?

Our commissions range from 2.5% to 3.5% (excl. VAT) of the sale price, depending on the mandate (open, semi-exclusive, exclusive) and the complexity of the file. The exclusive mandate carries the lowest rate because it guarantees our full commitment.

## Is an exclusive mandate required to sell with EMOH?

No, it is not mandatory. We offer all three formats (open, semi-exclusive, exclusive). The exclusive mandate is nevertheless the one that delivers the best results: it comes with professional photos, video, floor plan, distribution on all portals and our base of qualified buyers.

## Does EMOH handle off-market properties?

Yes, part of our portfolio is never published on public portals. To access it, sign up for our off-market alerts via the Contact page, specifying your budget and criteria.

## Which cantons do you cover?

We operate mainly in French-speaking Switzerland: Vaud, Geneva, Valais, Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Jura. Our priority cities are Lausanne, Geneva, Nyon, Vevey, Montreux, Morges, Sion, Sierre, Fribourg, Bulle and Neuchâtel.

## How long does it take to sell a property in French-speaking Switzerland?

The average timeframe in 2025-2026 is 45 to 90 days between listing and notarised signing, on standard segments. Premium or very specific properties can take 4 to 6 months. A price set right from the start cuts the timeframe in half.

## Can I view a property remotely?

Yes. We offer video-call viewings (FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Meet) with a detailed presentation, annotated floor plans and high-resolution photos. A physical viewing remains recommended before signing.

## How does financing a property purchase work in Switzerland?

Standard financing requires at least 20% equity (of which 10% outside the LPP/2nd pillar) and an 80% mortgage. Housing costs (theoretical interest at 5%, amortisation, maintenance) must not exceed 33% of gross income. EMOH can put you in touch with an independent broker to optimise your file.

## What is the difference between gross yield and net yield?

Gross yield = (annual rents / purchase price) × 100. Net yield deducts costs (running costs, maintenance, vacancy, property tax, management). In French-speaking Switzerland, a good net yield on a buy-to-let investment sits between 3% and 4.5%.

## Does EMOH offer a rental service?

Yes, we manage long-term rentals (tenant search, inventory reports, follow-up). We do not handle seasonal tourist rentals.

## Is my personal data protected?

Yes. EMOH complies with the new Swiss Data Protection Act (nFADP) as well as the GDPR for EU clients. Our data is stored in the EU/CH region (Neon, S3 Frankfurt). No third-party tracker is placed on this site (no Google Analytics, no Facebook Pixel). See our Legal notice page.

## Is AI used in the sales process?

Yes, to prepare faster: conversation summaries, email drafts, lead scoring, market recommendations. All external actions (sending an email, a WhatsApp message, a publication) are validated by a human agent. AI proposes, humans decide.

## Do you work with developers and architects?

Yes. We have an active network of developers, architects, builders, fiduciaries, notaries and banks in French-speaking Switzerland. For a development project (plot, income-producing building, off-plan project), we connect you with the right partners.

## How do you differ from the big portals (Homegate, ImmoScout24)?

Portals are marketplaces: they distribute listings. EMOH is an agency: we genuinely support the project (exclusive mandate, negotiation, financing, notary). We also publish on the portals; the complementarity lies in the human follow-up.

## Which languages do EMOH agents speak?

Our team speaks French (main language), English and Russian. Let us know your preferred language when you get in touch.