Document background
The Letter of Offer to Purchase Land is a crucial document in Swiss real estate transactions, serving as the preliminary step before entering into a formal purchase agreement. It is typically used when a prospective buyer has identified a suitable property and wishes to formalize their interest with specific terms and conditions. The document must comply with Swiss legal requirements, including cantonal variations and federal regulations such as the Swiss Civil Code and Code of Obligations. While not the final purchase contract (which requires notarization in Switzerland), this letter sets out essential terms including price, payment conditions, due diligence requirements, and any specific conditions precedent. For foreign buyers, additional considerations under Lex Koller must be addressed. The document's format and content may vary depending on whether the transaction is private, commercial, or agricultural, but it must always meet the formal requirements of Swiss property law.
