Buying a Home in St. Moritz in 2026: What International Buyers Need to Know
Updated: 16 hours ago
The St. Moritz real estate market is one of the most strictly regulated in the Alps. There are few properties for sale, regulations regarding eligibility to purchase vary based on nationality and residency, and there is a significant difference in value between an apartment that can be used as a holiday home and one that cannot.
Can foreigners buy property in St. Moritz?
Property purchases by people abroad are governed by the Lex Koller, the Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad. In short:
EU and EFTA citizens with a Swiss B or C permit can buy without a Lex Koller authorisation.
Non-EU citizens with a B permit can buy the home they live in, but not a second home.
Buyers living abroad need an authorisation for a holiday home. Switzerland grants about 1,500 a year, and Graubünden, the canton of St. Moritz, has an annual quota of 290.
For buyers under the Lex Koller, the living area is usually capped at around 200 m² per person.
A C permit, the Swiss settlement permit, removes the Lex Koller restrictions.
Second homes and the Lex Weber
Since 2012, municipalities where second homes exceed 20% of the housing stock, St. Moritz among them, can no longer authorise new second homes. This is why existing apartments that may legally be used as holiday homes are rare and hold their value. Before planning a viewing, always check how a property is registered: as a primary residence, as a second home under the old rules, or with conditions on its use.
Where to buy: the areas of St. Moritz
St. Moritz Dorf. The upper village, with the boutiques, the grand hotels and the funicular up to the Corviglia ski area.
St. Moritz Bad. Down by the lake, quieter, close to the thermal baths, the cross-country trails and the Signal cable car.
Suvretta. The residential area west of the centre, home to some of the largest private chalets.
Champfèr. A few minutes west, close to the Corvatsch ski area and the frozen lakes.
Celerina. The sunny village next door, with a gondola up to Marguns and the Corviglia ski area.
What a home in St. Moritz costs
Prices are high and vary depending on the location, the view, and—above all—the property's classification as a second home. For instance, the residence shown below is listed at 4.5 million Swiss francs for an area of 140 m², or approximately 32,000 francs per square meter.
On the market: Apartment Via Segantini, St. Moritz Bad
Renovated in 2022, this apartment arranges 140 m² over two levels in St. Moritz Bad, the part of the village that grew up around its mineral springs, within easy reach of the thermal baths and the ski slopes.
140 m² on two levels, at 1,822 metres
Two bedrooms, including a master suite with en-suite bathroom
Three bathrooms
Private terrace with mountain views
Private sauna
Offered furnished, with one covered garage space
Price: CHF 4,500,000
Viewing property in St. Moritz with us
Most buyers discover St. Moritz on holiday, and that is the best time to see a home. We organise private viewings around your stay, together with the flight to Engadin Airport in Samedan, the chalet or hotel suite, transfers and tables, so that a weekend of skiing can also be a weekend of house-hunting. More on our St. Moritz concierge page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy an apartment in St. Moritz?
Yes, but it depends on your nationality and residence. Buyers living abroad need a holiday-home authorisation under the Lex Koller, within the annual quota of the canton of Graubünden.
Can new second homes be built in St. Moritz?
No. Since 2012, municipalities with more than 20% second homes, St. Moritz among them, can no longer authorise new ones. Existing apartments with second-home status are therefore scarce.
Can you arrange viewings during a ski holiday?
Yes. We schedule viewings around your stay and take care of flights, accommodation and transfers.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The rules depend on your nationality, your residence permit and the property: always confirm them with a notary or lawyer in Graubünden.
Thinking about a home in St. Moritz? Tell us what you are looking for.
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