Mortgage Financing for Commuters
Do you earn your income in Swiss francs and want to finance a property in Vorarlberg or Austria? We’ll compare banks, terms, and financing options in euros and Swiss francs, and work with you to find the solution that’s right for you.

What financing option is right for you as a cross-border worker?

Anyone who works in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and would like to buy or build a property in Austria has special financing options available. Because their income is in Swiss francs, they can choose not only traditional euro-denominated financing but also financing in CHF or a combination of both currencies.

Martin Häusler is a specialist in residential mortgage financing at B-Quadrat Mortgage Brokerage and understands the specific needs of cross-border commuters based on his many years of experience. In the following article, he explains what you should keep in mind when securing financing.

Mr. Häusler, what are the specific considerations for cross-border commuters who work in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and are buying or financing a property in Vorarlberg?

Martin Häusler: Since real estate prices in the Rhine Valley—and, in fact, throughout Vorarlberg by now—are very high, financing requires a high income and a down payment of at least 15 percent, though 20 percent is more common. Cross-border commuters generally meet these requirements, as wages in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are significantly higher than in Austria. Their strong creditworthiness thus makes cross-border commuters attractive to banks. In addition, they benefit from a special provision in the pension system. Specifically, the second pillar—the pension fund—offers an option to withdraw funds for owner-occupied housing. Although this withdrawal is subject to taxation, it provides additional capital that can be used toward financing the purchase.

Commuters? Take advantage of your financing benefits.

> Financing Tailored to Your CHF Income
> Euros, Swiss francs, or both
> Compare multiple banks independently at
>. Fixed-rate or variable-rate options in CHF are available
> A customized financing plan instead of a standard solution

During a brief phone call, we’ll discuss your project and the next steps.

When Austrian banks finance real estate for cross-border commuters – is it in euros?

Martin Häusler: It depends. Financing in euros generally offers more options, since many banks provide euro-denominated loans and the property itself is also valued in euros. As a result, the loan amount remains constant relative to the property and is not affected by currency fluctuations between the euro and the Swiss franc.

For cross-border commuters, however, the situation is often different. Anyone who receives their income in Swiss francs but repays a loan in euros faces a certain currency risk. If the exchange rate changes unfavorably, the actual financial burden can change significantly. In individual cases, this risk should therefore be examined very carefully.

Due to the changing interest rate environment in recent years—with euro interest rates rising significantly and Swiss franc interest rates remaining comparatively attractive—more and more cross-border commuters are choosing to take out their home loans, either in full or in part, in Swiss francs.

The advantage: When both income and loan payments are denominated in Swiss francs, the currency risk between salary and loan payments is significantly reduced. This makes it easier to plan for monthly payments, which better align with your actual income situation.

Whether it makes sense to finance a purchase in euros, Swiss francs, or a combination of both, however, always depends on your personal circumstances, your risk tolerance, the property, and your long-term plans. That is precisely why personalized advice is especially important.

Should cross-border commuters opt to take out a mortgage in Swiss francs?

Martin Häusler: Mortgages in Swiss francs can be very attractive for cross-border commuters, but they should be carefully evaluated. Compared to euro-denominated mortgages, there are often fewer banks and products to choose from. At the same time, the options have expanded significantly: We have recently begun offering fixed-rate solutions in Swiss francs in addition to variable-rate mortgages.

This makes financing in Swiss francs more attractive even for customers who want greater predictability and interest rate security. Which solution is best—the euro, the Swiss franc, a fixed interest rate, a variable interest rate, or a combination of these—always depends on the individual’s personal situation.

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So what is the best housing finance for cross-border commuters?

Martin Häusler: For many cross-border commuters, a combination of euros and Swiss francs may be a good option. This allows them to combine the advantages of both currencies: The portion in CHF reduces the currency risk between income and loan payments, while financing in euros offers a wider selection of products and often greater flexibility. However, which specific products and which currency—or combination of currencies—makes sense varies from case to case.

Can Swiss or Liechtenstein citizens who want to buy or build a home in Vorarlberg, Austria, actually get a loan from an Austrian bank?

Martin Häusler: Of course. In fact, this happens quite often, because real estate in Vorarlberg is a better investment than in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, where rental yields are relatively low. And since land registry collateral plays a key role in financing an Austrian property, in practice, financing is often arranged through an Austrian bank.

What are the actual benefits of arranging my financing through a loan broker?

Martin Häusler: As loan brokers, we are not tied to any single bank. We compare different banks, terms, and financing models, and determine which solution best fits each individual’s situation. This is particularly important for cross-border commuters, because not every bank handles income in Swiss francs or financing in Swiss francs the same way.

Ready to take the next step toward buying your home?

> Financing Specifically for Cross-Border Commuters
> Compare EUR and CHF Independently
> Compare different banks and terms
> Personal financing plan
> Personal support—even after the financing is secured

During a brief phone call, we’ll discuss your project and the next steps.