Building insurance:
A house/villa must always be covered. For this reason, the rights and obligations from the building insurance contract automatically transfer to the buyer. The buyer may reject the transfer in writing within 30 days of the ownership change. The insurance company can also terminate the contract within 14 days of learning the new owner’s identity. If terminated, the contract ends at the earliest 30 days later.
In the case of an apartment, this doesn’t apply, as the building is insured as a whole.
Warranties:
If you’ve carried out construction work on your property, you likely received warranties from the trades involved. If these warranties are still valid (typically for 5 years), all transferable warranty rights are passed on to the buyer. The buyer may ask you to provide all signed contracts to understand the details of the warranties. Non-transferable rights remain with you as the seller, but you agree to enforce them on behalf of the buyer and at their sole expense.
Water, gas, and electricity:
As the departing occupant, you must inform the Services Industriels de Genève (SIG) of your move and report the meter readings. The buyer will also notify SIG upon taking possession. You will only be billed for the period during which you owned and occupied the property. The buyer will be responsible for all utility contracts thereafter.
Phone, TV, internet, and fiber:
These services are usually tied to a personal subscription (e.g., Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt). You simply notify your provider of your change of address, and the subscription follows you to your new home. The buyer will have to sign up for a new subscription with the provider of their choice.
Household insurance:
This doesn’t concern the buyer. However, you must inform your insurer of your change of address so coverage continues at your new residence. If you fail to do so, your belongings may not be covered. The buyer should also ensure their household insurance is updated.
Maintenance contracts:
In most property sales, maintenance contracts are not transferred. The property must be handed over free of any contractual obligations. The seller is responsible for cancelling them at their own expense. However, the parties can agree to transfer such contracts with the involved company’s consent.
Heating:
If you own a house with a boiler or heating system, you may have a maintenance contract. Typically, this contract is not transferred in the sale deed. However, it’s good practice to coordinate with the buyer and the maintenance company if a transfer is desired.
Resident registration:
Don’t forget to report your change of address to the Residents’ Registry.
If you’re Swiss, notify your new commune.
If you’re a foreign national, report to the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (OCPM).
The buyer will do the same.
Post office:
Notify the post office of your change of address to ensure mail forwarding to your new home. The Swiss Post can also notify your bank and insurer for you. The buyer should do the same on their side.
Alarm system:
If the property has an alarm system, it’s typically included in the sale. However, the contract with the security company is personal. Make sure to cancel or arrange to transfer the contract to the buyer if they want it. It is advisable to maintain surveillance especially if the home will be vacant between your departure and the buyer’s move-in, to prevent issues like squatting.
Excerpt from our guide: Selling Your Home in 42 Questions