Document background
An Estate Deed is a fundamental legal document used in Swiss property transactions to transfer real estate ownership from one party to another. This document type is mandatory for all real estate transfers in Switzerland and must be executed in the form of a public deed (öffentliche Urkunde/acte authentique) by a licensed notary. The Estate Deed includes comprehensive details about the property, parties involved, consideration, and various legal declarations required under Swiss federal and cantonal laws. It serves multiple purposes: documenting the transfer agreement, meeting land registry requirements, establishing the basis for property taxation, and ensuring compliance with various regulations including Lex Koller for foreign buyers. The document must be drafted with precision as it forms the basis for the official registration of ownership change in the Swiss land registry system.
