📜 Historical Timeline of the LFAIE / Lex Koller (Switzerland)

🗓️ March 23, 1961 — Lex von Moos➡️ First federal decree requiring authorization for the purchase of real estate by persons domiciled abroad.➡️ Aimed to regulate foreign purchases of land and property in Switzerland.

🗓️ June 26, 1972 — Lex Celio➡️ Under a Federal Council resolution, the investment of foreign capital in Swiss real estate was prohibited (emergency law).➡️ Strict attempt to curb foreign speculation.

🗓️ February 1, 1974 — Lex Furgler➡️ Amendment of the 1961 federal regulation (after partial lifting of Lex Celio).➡️ Strengthened rules, particularly against schemes designed to circumvent regulations.

🗓️ December 16, 1983 – January 1, 1985 — Lex Friedrich➡️ Adoption of the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad (LFAIE).➡️ Entered into force on January 1, 1985.➡️ First clear definition of primary vs. secondary residences. Restrictions on the purchase of secondary residences by foreigners. Surface limited according to municipality; beginning of size regulation (≈ 200 m² for secondary residences).➡️ Replaced previous regulations (Lex von Moos and its amendments).➡️ Restricted access to real estate ownership for foreign individuals or companies.

🗓️ April 30, 1997 – October 1, 1997 — Major Revision → Lex Koller➡️ Major revision of the LFAIE, modernizing and clarifying the rules.➡️ Entered into force on October 1, 1997.➡️ Annual cantonal quotas for secondary residences. Limitation of habitable area for secondary residences to 200–250 m² depending on the canton. Mandatory authorization for non-residents or B permit holders.➡️ Objective: adapt the law to economic challenges, facilitate certain useful foreign investments, while maintaining control over access to Swiss land.

🗓️ October 8, 2004 — LFAIE Amendment➡️ Revision mainly concerning residential property companies and refining certain application modalities.➡️ Ensured consistency with current legal structures for real estate acquisition.

🗓️ 2012 — Lex Weber: “Second Homes Initiative” and Ordinance➡️ Entry into force of complementary measures regulating construction and use of secondary residences at the federal level (alongside the LFAIE), limiting the construction of new second homes in certain municipalities. Strict limitations: maximum 20% of secondary residences per municipality, additional restrictions on building area and plot size.➡️ This initiative complements the LFAIE for tourist properties already subject to quotas.

🗓️ August 20, 2024 — Legal Framework Update➡️ Lex Koller / LFAIE remains in force, with administrative updates (official directories, etc.).➡️ Cantons continue to apply authorization regimes according to the law.