Retirement in the right home – making the dream come true

As you slowly approach retirement, you start to think about how you want to organize your life in the future. It’s not uncommon for your current living situation to no longer really fit in with your plans for this well-earned period of retirement. Because you would rather go on regular trips and attend cultural events than continue to spend most of your free time in your elaborate garden – a nice apartment in Chur would be much more suitable than the big house in Thusis. Someone else might prefer to move from the practical attic apartment near Maienfeld station to a property with a garden in a picturesque little village, where they can have some peace and quiet and the grandchildren can come over to play. Everyone has their own wishes and should be able to fulfill them. The good news is: with a clear idea and timely preparation, the chances are good that you will succeed.

Path to the goal: early withdrawal of BVG assets

When you retire, you can have at least twenty-five percent of your accumulated retirement capital paid out. Depending on the pension fund, a larger proportion or even all of it can be paid out. Now comes the big but: there are always application deadlines for this early withdrawal, which can be up to three years. If you miss this deadline, you can no longer insist on a payout. It is therefore advisable to clarify your options a few years before you retire.

More attractive than a pension for tax purposes

If you opt for a pension, you will pay income tax on it for the rest of your life. This adds up over the years, so it is worth checking the payout. In addition, the capital is then out of reach in the pension fund. If you opt for a payout, income tax is only payable once in the year of retirement. And this is independent of the remaining income replacement. This tax rate is regulated at cantonal level and is significantly lower in the canton of Graubünden than in other cantons.

A good decision even in old age

If you are in a comfortable position – and are already a homeowner and can sell the property for this step or pass it on to the next generation, or if you are not dependent on the full monthly BVG pension – you are therefore free to decide what you want to do with your own capital. You can hardly go wrong with buying a property. This is because homeowners not only have advantages in terms of taxes, they also always have the certainty of a secure investment and the priceless pleasure of being able to enjoy life within their own four walls for as long as they want.

Good planning is almost a winner

Since not only the early withdrawal of BVG assets needs to be well planned, but also the search for a suitable property and perhaps the sale of an existing property takes time, it is advisable to consult a specialist at an early stage.