Document background
The Ground Lease Agreement is a crucial document in Swiss real estate law, used when a party wishes to develop and use land without purchasing it outright. This arrangement is particularly valuable in Switzerland due to limited land availability and high property values. The agreement, governed by Articles 779-779l of the Swiss Civil Code, creates a distinct real right that can be registered in the land register. It specifies the grant of construction rights, duration (typically 30-100 years), ground rent, permitted uses, construction requirements, maintenance obligations, and return conditions. This type of agreement is commonly used for commercial developments, public infrastructure projects, and institutional developments where long-term land rights are needed without full property acquisition. The document must carefully balance the interests of both the landowner and the developer while ensuring compliance with federal and cantonal regulations.
