What do you have to insure when you buy a home?

In short

As an owner you are responsible for the building.

Insurance against fire and natural hazards is compulsory in most cantons. On top come building liability and, for the construction period, builder's liability.

As of 2 October 2026 · BVG Art. 30c, WEFV · Sources bsv.admin.ch, bwo.admin.ch, estv.admin.ch and 3 more

Sort it out in this order

Which natural hazards are insured in Switzerland? Who pays for hail and storm damage? How high should you insure your household contents? What does personal liability insurance pay and what not? How is your family protected if something happens to you? How does pillar 3a work and how much tax does it save?

CalculatorWith your numbers

How much pension fund money can you withdraw for your own home?

You can use money from the pension fund for a flat or house in which you live yourself. How much depends mainly on your age.

Your age

years

Your pension fund balance today

The vested benefits on your pension statement.

CHF

Your balance at 50

Only important if you are older than 50. Your pension fund knows the amount.

CHF

Withdraw at most

CHF 150,000

Stays in the pension fund

CHF 0

Balance today

CHF 150,000

Withdrawal possible

CHF 150,000

Up to 50 you can withdraw the whole balance, so CHF 150,000. Every franc is missing later from your pension and from death and disability cover. Check how you close the gap.

According to BVG Art. 30c and WEFV, as of 2026. At least CHF 20,000, at most every 5 years, until three years before retirement age. Your regulations may end it earlier. Not advice.

Want to know more?

Which insurances do you need as an owner?

What	Insurance	Compulsory
Building in case of fire, hail, storm, flood	Building insurance	Yes in most cantons
Water from pipes at the building	Building water, private	No, but important
Damage to others caused by your building	Building liability	No, but important
Accidents and damage during construction	Builder’s liability	No, but important
Your furniture and belongings	Household contents insurance	In some cantons
Earthquake	Extension, if available	No

For a single-family house, building liability is often included in personal liability. Ask before you pay twice.

How does advance withdrawal from the pension fund work?

At least CHF 20,000. Smaller amounts are not possible.
Up to age 50 the whole balance. After that at most the balance at 50 or half of the current one, whichever is more.
At most every five years. And only until three years before retirement age.
Only for your own home. Not for holiday flats or flats to let.

You can also withdraw money for your own home from pillar 3a.

What does that mean for your pension provision?

Every franc you withdraw early is missing from your pension later. Benefits on disability and death often fall as well. Anyone who buys with pension money should therefore consider risk insurance, so that the family can carry the mortgage without you.

What many people get wrong

“Building insurance pays every water damage.” Tap water usually needs a private extra insurance.
“Advance withdrawal is free.” It costs tax and reduces pension and risk cover.
“During construction I am covered by liability insurance.” For larger building work you need builder’s liability.

Do I have to insure the building myself?

In 19 cantons the cantonal building insurer insures you automatically and compulsorily against fire and natural hazards. In the other cantons you take out the insurance with a private insurer, and it is often compulsory as well. Your municipality or canton tells you what applies.

Is water damage to the building insured?

Usually not through the cantonal building insurance. For tap water, glass breakage and theft at the building there are private extra insurances. Check them before you move in.

Do I need my own building insurance as a condominium owner?

The building is usually insured by the owners' community. For your flat you need household contents, personal liability and, depending on the regulations, extras for your part. Read the community's regulations.

What happens to the advance withdrawal if I sell?

You must repay it to the pension fund unless you buy a new home within two years. The advance withdrawal is noted in the land register.

2 more questions

Do I have to pay tax on the advance withdrawal?

Yes, separately from your other income and at a lower rate. If you repay later, you get the tax back without interest.

Can I also pledge my pension fund money?

Yes. With a pledge the money stays in the pension fund and the bank receives security. Your pension provision is kept as long as you do not default.

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Sources and date 2 October 2026

FSIO: Promotion of home ownership with occupational pension funds, in German
FOH: Promotion of home ownership with occupational pension funds, in German
FTA: Promotion of home ownership, notifications, in German
VKG: The success of cantonal building insurance, in German
Prevention Foundation of the Cantonal Building Insurers: Natural hazard insurance in Switzerland, in German
ch.ch: The 2nd pillar, in German

This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.