Asbestos and PCBs:
As a property owner, and only if you are carrying out renovation or construction work, you are required to submit proof confirming the presence or absence of hazardous substances — such as asbestos (if the building was constructed before 1991) and polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs (if built between 1955 and 1975) — along with your permit application. If any such substances are found, you must take the necessary protective measures during the work, under the supervision of accredited specialists.
In the context of a property sale, you are generally only required to confirm that this procedure was properly followed if you have carried out any work on the property. Whether or not you are aware of the presence of these substances, this will be stated in the deed of sale. Note that if your property was built before 1991, it is likely to contain asbestos, and if built between 1955 and 1975, it may contain PCBs.
The buyer purchases the property as-is and with full knowledge of its condition. As the new owner, they will be subject to the same obligations if they decide to undertake any work, at their own expense and with no liability on your part.
Contaminated sites:
The deed of sale will also indicate whether the property is listed in the official register of contaminated sites. A parcel not being listed does not guarantee the absence of pollution — it simply means that no contamination has been officially identified to date. Here again, the buyer acquires the property with full knowledge of this fact.
Radon:
Finally, your property may be located in an area exposed to radon (a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in the ground). This is also not the seller’s responsibility. The buyer is informed of the Federal Office of Public Health’s website, which provides a map of radon exposure risks throughout Switzerland.
Excerpt from our guide: Selling Your Home in 42 Questions