{"id":134641,"date":"2026-06-24T14:02:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-24T12:02:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/immobilienwissen\/calculating-capital-gains-tax-on-real-estate-heres-how\/"},"modified":"2026-06-29T15:17:26","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T13:17:26","slug":"calculating-capital-gains-tax-on-real-estate-heres-how","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/immobilienwissen\/calculating-capital-gains-tax-on-real-estate-heres-how\/","title":{"rendered":"Calculating Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate: Here&#8217;s How"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you looking to sell your apartment or house and wondering how much the capital gains tax will be? If so, you\u2019re not alone. Capital gains tax is one of the most significant cost factors in real estate sales and is often underestimated by many owners.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The good news: Not all of the profit from the Sales is subject to tax. Various value-enhancing investments and transaction costs can be deducted from taxable income. However, it is essential that these expenses can be substantiated with supporting documentation.  <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is property gains tax?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real estate gains tax is levied when a property is sold at a profit. It taxes the difference between the original purchase price and the subsequent sales proceeds. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tax burden can vary depending on the canton and how long the property is held. In many cantons, those who own their property for many years benefit from lower taxes than owners who engage in Sales after only a short time. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How is the property gains tax calculated?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The calculation is generally performed according to the following formula:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling Price<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>original purchase price<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Value-enhancing investments during the holding period<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eligible incidental sales expenses and brokerage fees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">= taxable capital gain on real property<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property gains tax is then calculated based on this taxable profit.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A simple math example<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s say you bought your condominium in 2012 for CHF 850,000. In 2026, you sell the condo for CHF 1,350,000. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the period you owned the property, you made the following investments:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New kitchen: CHF 80,000, of which 50% (CHF 40,000) is counted as an increase in value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sunroom: CHF 50,000 (100% increase in value; there was no sunroom before)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, there is a real estate agent&#8217;s fee of CHF 35,000 for Sales.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The calculation is as follows:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling price: CHF 1,350,000<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">minus purchase price: CHF 850,000<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">minus value-enhancing investments: CHF 90,000<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">minus incidental sales expenses: CHF 35,000<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">= taxable capital gain on real estate: CHF 375,000<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The effective tax rate is then calculated based on cantonal regulations and the holding period.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What expenses are generally tax-deductible?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many homeowners are needlessly throwing money away here.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the most common tax-deductible investments include:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additions and Expansions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservatories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attic Conversions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New kitchens or bathrooms that significantly increase property value<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Energy-Efficient Renovations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facade or insulation measures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solar Power Systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Various incidental sales costs can also be taken into account. These include, for example, real estate agent commissions, advertising costs, or certain fees related to the sale. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why Missing Receipts Can Be Costly<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the biggest challenge often lies not in the calculation itself, but in the documentation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many homeowners don&#8217;t sell their property until ten, twenty, or even thirty years have passed. During that time, they&#8217;ve made numerous investments\u2014a new kitchen here, a sunroom there, and perhaps a major renovation later on.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it is not uncommon for the relevant invoices and documents to have been lost over the years. Investments that cannot be substantiated are often not recognized\u2014or only partially recognized\u2014by the tax authorities. This increases taxable income and, consequently, property gains tax.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone planning for Sales should therefore gather all available documents as early as possible. These include invoices, construction statements, quotes from contractors, building permits, and other documents that provide evidence of value-adding investments. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>It pays to plan ahead<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property gains tax cannot be avoided. However, it can be calculated correctly and optimized through comprehensive documentation. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sooner owners review their documents and prepare for the Sales, the easier it is to estimate the financial implications. At the same time, this provides clarity on what net proceeds can actually be expected after the Sales. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are you planning to sell a property?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calculating and filing property gains tax requires experience and a careful review of all relevant documents. That\u2019s why a specialized team of experts at Ginesta Immobilien is here to assist you. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll help you gather the necessary documents, review value-enhancing investments, and, if you wish, handle the preparation and filing of your real estate gains tax return. This way, you\u2019ll have a clear picture early on of your estimated tax liability and expected net proceeds. <\/p>\n\n<div style=\"height:var(--wp--preset--spacing--medium)\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-4-font-size\"><\/h2>\n<div class=\"align\">\n    <div class=\"dhsv-cta-image-block background-grey\">\n        <div class=\"inner\">\n                            <div class=\"image\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/PRINT_Niederteufen-RuOoae\u2560etiberg-1616-7.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/PRINT_Niederteufen-RuOoae\u2560etiberg-1616-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/PRINT_Niederteufen-RuOoae\u2560etiberg-1616-7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/PRINT_Niederteufen-RuOoae\u2560etiberg-1616-7-1600x1067.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/PRINT_Niederteufen-RuOoae\u2560etiberg-1616-7-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" alt=\"\" title=\"\">\n                <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"content\">\n                \n\n<p class=\"has-text-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Would you like to know what selling price your property could fetch today and what factors influence your capital gains tax? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"dhsv-buttons horizontal is-layout-flex wp-block-dhsv-buttons-is-layout-flex\" data-align=\"wide\" style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; --button-width: unset; flex-direction: row; justify-content: left\">\n\t\n<div class=\"dhsv-button-wrapper  alignleft\">\n                    <a class=\"dhsv-button \" href=\"mailto:verkauf@ginesta.ch\" data-type=\"primary\" data-icon-before>\n                <div class=\"button-text\">\n                    <span class=\"text\">Send direct message<\/span>\n                                            <svg class=\"dhsv-icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<path d=\"M2.4 3H13.6C14.37 3 15 3.61875 15 4.375V12.625C15 13.3813 14.37 14 13.6 14H2.4C1.63 14 1 13.3813 1 12.625V4.375C1 3.61875 1.63 3 2.4 3Z\" stroke=\"var(--icon-base)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<path d=\"M15 4.375L8 9.1875L1 4.375\" stroke=\"var(--icon-base)\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n<\/svg>                                    <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"dhsv-button-wrapper  alignleft\">\n                    <a class=\"dhsv-button \" href=\"tel:+449141063\" data-type=\"secondary\">\n                <div class=\"button-text\">\n                    <span class=\"text\">+41 44 910 77 33<\/span>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anyone who sells a property at a profit must pay real estate gains tax. But how is this tax calculated, and what expenses can be deducted from the profit? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":134574,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[740,275,741,751,726],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-134641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finances","category-news","category-owner","category-real-estate","category-real-estate-knowledge"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/Grundstueckgewinnsteuer.png","featured_image_data":{"title":"Grundst\u00fcckgewinnsteuer","url":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/Grundstueckgewinnsteuer.png","width":1537,"height":1023,"srcset":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/Grundstueckgewinnsteuer-768x511.png 768w","sizes":"(max-width:768px) 768px","type":"image\/png"},"featured_image_url":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/Grundstueckgewinnsteuer.png","readingTime":4,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=134641"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134641\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":134987,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/134641\/revisions\/134987"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/134574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=134641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=134641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginesta.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=134641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}