Local Auction is the leading online platform for foreclosures in Switzerland. We offer a comprehensive overview of all upcoming auctions. With Local Auction, you can search for properties, get information on auction dates, and view all relevant documents.

Searching for foreclosures can often be time-consuming and tedious, as properties are spread across various websites. We aim to make the search as easy as possible. With access to Local Auction, you benefit from the following advantages:

• See exactly what you want: Customize the filters to display only the properties that matter to you, ensuring you don't miss any events or new listings.
• All documents at a glance: Direct links to appraisals, information, and pictures of the property.
• Never miss a date: All relevant dates for each auction property are clearly displayed so that you don't miss any important deadlines.
• Simplified search: Optimized for smartphones with a high-quality map for property search.
• Easy management: Save favorites, share links to documents with friends, and more.

No, you don't need to sign a long-term contract! You have the option to choose a flexible monthly subscription and try our service without commitment. The subscription can be canceled monthly. If you like our service, you can switch to an annual subscription at any time, depending on your individual needs.

You can easily cancel your subscription online: log in to Local Auction and go to your profile.

In a foreclosure, a property (house, apartment, or land) is publicly auctioned to the highest bidder against the will of the owner. This allows buyers to acquire properties at attractive prices and bid on rare properties that would otherwise not be available on the market.

If a property owner can no longer meet their financial obligations, such as paying mortgage interest, a foreclosure may occur. Common reasons include unemployment, divorce, illness, or rising interest rates on variable mortgages. Banks usually try to find other solutions before initiating a foreclosure.

The process is legally regulated and includes the following steps:

1. Debt enforcement: The creditor initiates debt enforcement when the debtor fails to make payments.
2. Debt enforcement request: The debt enforcement office issues a payment request to the debtor.
3. Continuation request: If payment is not made, the creditor submits a continuation request.
4. Property appraisal: An independent appraiser determines the market value of the property.
5. Auction announcement: The foreclosure is publicly announced.
6. The auction: Interested parties can place bids; the highest bidder wins the auction.
7. Transfer of ownership: After payment, ownership is transferred to the winning bidder.

To prevent a foreclosure, you should act early:

• Communicate with the creditor: Seek discussions and negotiate possible solutions such as refinancing or deferment.
• Financial support: Check for government assistance or consult experts.
• Sale of the property: A private sale often yields better results than a foreclosure.
• Renting out: Additional income from renting can help meet payment obligations.

Any legally competent person may participate in an auction and bid. All you need is a valid ID and a deposit of 10-20% of the purchase price.

The deposit can be made via bank guarantee, in cash (up to 100,000 CHF), by bank check, or wire transfer. Please refer to the specific auction terms and conditions.

No, you can also submit a written bid or send an authorized representative.

The auction is held at a public location designated by the debt collection or bankruptcy office. The exact details can be found on Local Auction.

Yes, the date may change. Please check with the relevant office on the day of the auction to be sure.

The owner can prevent the loss of their property until the auction date by fully repaying their debts. For debt enforcement foreclosures, this is possible; for bankruptcy foreclosures, the debtor must pay all registered claims, not just the mortgage debts. The proceeds from the auction are used to settle the debts and cover the costs. Any remaining balance goes to the debtor.

• Gather information: Obtain all relevant documents such as auction conditions, encumbrance lists, and land registry extracts.
• Property inspection: Assess the property's condition and, if necessary, have it evaluated by an expert.
• Clarify financing: Secure financing in advance and get a written confirmation from your bank.
• Develop a strategy: Set a maximum bid and stick to it.
• Gain experience: Attend previous auctions to get familiar with the process.

In addition to the purchase price, buyers should expect the following costs:

• Disposal costs
• Ownership transfer costs
• Costs for the cancellation of mortgages and easements
• Ongoing public charges (e.g., for water, electricity)
• Land registry fees based on the auction purchase price
• Transfer tax (depending on cantonal regulations)

While properties at foreclosures are often sold below market value, bargains are not guaranteed. In desirable locations, high demand can drive up the price. The chances of a lower purchase price are higher at bankruptcy auctions, as there is often no minimum price.

Foreclosure: A forced auction, usually initiated by creditors due to the owner's insolvency.
Bidding procedure: A voluntary, sealed auction by the owner, often aiming to maximize the sale price.

After the bid is awarded and the deposit is made, the property immediately becomes yours. The entry in the land registry takes place after a ten-day appeal period.

In most cases, viewing appointments are organized by the bankruptcy or debt collection office. Detailed information can be found on Local Auction.

On Local Auction, you can find documents such as the official appraisal, auction publication, and land registry extract.

The appraisal provides details on the value assessment, structural condition, rental situation, and location of the property. We recommend reviewing it before the auction date.

In 2024, there were a total of 612 foreclosures in Switzerland. There were particularly many auctions scheduled in March and June, while there were significantly fewer dates in July and August.

Yes, there are significant regional differences. Most foreclosures occurred in the cantons of Ticino, Valais, and Vaud. Especially in the canton of Ticino, there were 39,4 auctions per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest in the country.

In 2024, condominiums and residential houses accounted for about two-thirds of all foreclosures in Switzerland. Villas were the most expensive property types, followed by residential and commercial buildings.

The auction volume in Switzerland in 2024 amounted to approximately CHF 672.6 million, representing a decline of around 25% compared to the previous year.

The auction conditions include all relevant information about the auction, including payment terms, any encumbrances, and legal details. You can view these on Local Auction.

Bankruptcy auction: The entire assets of the debtor are auctioned. The auction can only be avoided if all registered claims are settled.
Debt enforcement auction: Only the property is auctioned. The debtor can avoid the auction by settling the creditor's outstanding claim.

Creditors, especially banks, often bid to ensure that their claims are covered by the sale proceeds. If there is no sufficient bid, they can acquire the property themselves and sell it later at a higher price.

A double call occurs when a property with existing encumbrances (e.g., residential rights) is auctioned:

1. First call: Auction with all existing encumbrances.
2. Second call: Auction without certain encumbrances, which will then be deleted. The higher proceeds from the second call benefit the creditors.

• Quality and amenities of the residential complex or neighboring properties
• Availability of parking spaces
• Transportation connections and noise levels
• Proximity to doctors, schools, and shopping facilities
• Special features of the surroundings (e.g., flood-prone area)

During the auction, you can ask questions to the legal representative. Before the auction, you can contact the debt collection office or experts such as lawyers and building surveyors.

• Be patient: Foreclosures often require time and perseverance.
• Stick to your budget: Set your maximum bid and do not exceed it.
• Legal advice: Consult a lawyer if you have any uncertainties.
• Gain experience: Attend several auction events to become familiar with the process.

In principle, yes, but certain properties, particularly agricultural land, are subject to the "Federal Act on the Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad." Find out about possible restrictions in advance.

• Pre-approval with the bank: Obtain a financing confirmation for the maximum amount.
• Provide the deposit: Make sure you can immediately pay the required deposit.
• Plan for additional costs: Consider all incidental expenses in your financing plan.

Announcements are made in public official gazettes, on the websites of debt collection and bankruptcy offices, and on specialized platforms like Local Auction.

Yes, after acquisition and ownership transfer, you are free to use the property as you wish, including renting it out or using it yourself.