Leftist Grab for Homeowner Funds
19.02.2026 | from HEV Swiss Homeowners Association
Reading time: 2 minutes
Image rights: HEV Schweiz
19.02.2026, In early February, reports circulated that Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter had consigned a 'highly praised billion-dollar tax' lauded by economists to the archives. The recommendation in question, proposed by government-appointed experts, suggested imposing higher taxes on profits from real estate sales, arguing it to be wiser than increasing VAT, which makes everything more expensive. These 'renowned economists' therefore recommend a new, additional federal real estate profit tax. The extra levies on property owners are meant to fund military modernization, finance the 13th AHV pension, and prevent higher taxes on withdrawals from pension savings.
The reasoning is based on the observation that higher VAT would burden everyone since consumption is universal. A federal real estate profit tax, on the other hand, does not increase the cost of goods, services, or pension fund withdrawals. According to expert calculations, this additional tax should bring the federal government an annual revenue of one billion francs, five times more than the contentious capital withdrawal tax would yield. It is therefore preferable to increasing other levies that would affect the entire population.
A researcher from the federal economic research institute also chimed in, noting – and hold your breath, dear readers – that this extra tax would only be paid by those making ‘windfall profits’ from real estate sales; ‘profits that enrich someone without them having done anything to earn it’.
After property owners already disburse money to the state numerous times for their investments (income tax, wealth tax, transfer and still imputed rental value taxes, development and connection fees, cantonal real estate profit tax, and much more), they are to be saddled with yet another levy. SP co-president Wermuth requests that the Federal Council, via the financial committee, specifically examine and implement it.
Spontaneously, the following thoughts occur to me: Does the heavily armed military funded by homeowner dollars defend only homeowners and their properties? Is the 13th AHV pension paid exclusively to property owners? Are capital withdrawal taxes not increased solely for property owners? It should actually be that way; after all, property owners would be footing the entire bill, once again.
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: HEV Schweiz
Conclusion of this article: « Leftist Grab for Homeowner Funds »
HEV Swiss Homeowners Association
The Swiss Homeowners Association is the umbrella organisation for homeowners and landlords in Switzerland. The association has around 340,000 members. With our over 100 regional and cantonal sections, we are always close to our members – including you.
For over 100 years, the HEV has been committed to the promotion and preservation of home and land ownership. This includes guaranteeing ownership rights, as minimal bureaucracy as necessary, economically viable regulations, and reasonable taxes, fees, and charges. Joining one of Switzerland's largest organisations is worthwhile.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: HEV Swiss Homeowners Association, Press release
Original article published on: «Linker Griff» nach Eigentümer-Geldern