How to finance your renovation work in Switzerland? Loans, aids, and grants.

How to finance your renovation work in Switzerland? Loans, aids, and grants.
Summary

    Renovating your house or apartment is an exciting project, but often costly. Whether you want to modernize a kitchen, insulate a roof, replace a heating system, or undertake a complete renovation, the question of financing arises quickly.

    Good news: in Switzerland, several solutions exist to lighten the bill. Between dedicated bank loans, federal and cantonal aids, and local subsidies, it is entirely possible to combine different sources of financing to make your project more accessible.

    In this comprehensive guide, Avenir Rénovations Suisse explains all the financing options available in 2025, the conditions to benefit from them, and the best strategy to optimize your budget while taking advantage of public aids.

    Why plan the financing of your work?

    Before starting the work, it is essential to establish a clear and realistic financial strategy. Too many projects fail or are delayed due to a lack of budget anticipation.

    Accurately assess the cost of the work

    Each project is unique, and costs vary according to:

    • The size of the property (area to be renovated).
    • The type of work (insulation, plumbing, heating, carpentry, roofing…).
    • The level of finish and the materials chosen.

    In Romandy, the average ranges are:

    • Light renovation: 400 to 700 CHF/m² (painting, flooring, small carpentry).
    • Complete renovation: 800 to 1,200 CHF/m².
    • High-end renovation: 1,300 to 2,000 CHF/m².

    A detailed estimate prepared by a professional like Avenir Rénovations Suisse allows you to obtain a reliable item-by-item estimate and avoid unforeseen expenses.

    Identify priority work

    Not all work has the same impact or profitability.
    Priorities should be established according to three axes:

    1. Safety and structure: electricity, roofing, humidity, foundations.
    2. Energy efficiency: insulation, windows, heating — often eligible for public aids.
    3. Comfort and aesthetics: interior layouts, finishes, design.

    An energy audit (CECB+) helps identify the most profitable and subsidized work.

    Why consult a global renovation expert?

    A professional like Avenir Rénovations Suisse helps you to:

    • Assess the financial feasibility of the project.
    • Compare financing solutions (loan, aids, subsidies).
    • Prepare the administrative files to obtain public aids.
    • Optimize priorities to make every franc invested worthwhile.

    Good financial planning is the first step towards a successful renovation.

    The different financing solutions in Switzerland

    Each owner can choose from several solutions depending on their situation, the nature of the project, and the value of the property. Here are the main options available in 2025.

    Self-financing

    This is the simplest method: finance the work with your personal savings or part of your 2nd pillar (LPP).

    Advantages:

    • No interest to repay.
    • Total freedom in decision-making.

    Disadvantages:

    • Risk of depleting savings or reducing future investment capacity.
    • Not always sufficient for projects over 50,000 CHF.

    If you have liquidity, it may be wise to combine it with a small mortgage loan to maintain a safety reserve.

    The renovation mortgage

    The mortgage is the most common solution for financing significant work (over 50,000 CHF).
    It involves extending or renewing an existing mortgage to include the amount of the work.

    Principle:

    • The amount lent depends on the market value of the property after renovation.
    • Up to 80% of this value can be financed by the bank.

    Advantages:

    • Attractive interest rate (often 1.5 to 2.5%).
    • Long repayment period (10 to 20 years).
    • Increase in property value = increase in net wealth.

    Conditions:

    • Provide a detailed quote and a clear renovation plan.
    • Justify that the work increases the property's value or improves its energy efficiency.

    Good to know:
    Institutions such as BCV, UBS, Raiffeisen, PostFinance, or the Canton Bank of Geneva offer specific "Renovation Mortgage" formulas.

    The personal loan or renovation credit

    For more modest projects (up to about 100,000 CHF), a consumer credit may be sufficient.
    No mortgage is necessary.

    Advantages:

    • Quick procedure, without real estate guarantee.
    • Flexibility in repayment (2 to 10 years).
    • Ideal for targeted renovations: bathroom, kitchen, carpentry, painting.

    Disadvantages:

    • Higher rates (3 to 7% depending on the profile).
    • Less attractive for large projects.

    Many Swiss banks and online credit platforms offer "renovation credits" at preferential rates.

    The withdrawal or pledge of the 2nd pillar (LPP)

    The early withdrawal of the 2nd pillar is allowed to finance:

    • The purchase or construction of a primary residence.
    • Renovation work that improves its value or energy efficiency.

    Two options:

    1. Capital withdrawal: you use part of your retirement savings.
    2. Pledge: the amount remains blocked but serves as collateral for a loan.

    Advantage:

    • No interest to pay if direct withdrawal.

    Disadvantage:

    • Reduces the capital available at retirement.

    This solution should be considered carefully and after consulting your pension fund.

    The energy loan (or eco-loan)

    The energy loan is financing at a reduced rate, specifically dedicated to ecological renovations.

    Eligible works:

    • Thermal insulation (walls, roof, floors).
    • Heating replacement (heat pump, pellet boiler).
    • Solar installation (thermal or photovoltaic).
    • Energy study (CECB+).

    Advantages:

    • Lower interest rates (often 0.5 to 1% less than a conventional loan).
    • Recognized by the Confederation and the cantons.

    Some banks, such as BCV or Raiffeisen, offer "Eco-Housing" or "Green Mortgage" products.

    Aid and grants for renovation in Switzerland

    In addition to banking solutions, there are many public aids to encourage the energy transition of buildings.

    The Buildings Program (Confederation + cantons)

    Launched by the Confederation in partnership with the cantons, the Buildings Program finances work to reduce CO₂ emissions and energy consumption.

    Eligible works:

    • Insulation of roofs, walls, and floors.
    • Replacement of a polluting heating system.
    • Installation of a heat pump or solar panels.

    Indicative amounts:

    • 30 to 50 CHF/m² for insulation work.
    • Up to 8,000 CHF for a heat pump.
    • 2,000 to 3,000 CHF for an energy study (CECB+).

    Conditions:

    • The work must be carried out by a certified company.
    • The application must be submitted before the start of the work.

    Avenir Rénovations Suisse assists its clients in preparing applications and verifying eligibility criteria.

    Cantonal aids

    Each canton has complementary subsidies:

    • Vaud: aids for insulation, solar thermal, and heat pumps.
    • Geneva: Éco21 program with bonuses for energy renovation.
    • Fribourg, Valais, Neuchâtel: bonuses for complete renovation or CECB+.

    The amounts can represent up to 30% of the total cost.
    Some municipalities (especially in Valais) even add a local bonus for exemplary work.

    Municipal and regional aids

    Some municipalities encourage sustainable renovation with:

    • Bonuses for photovoltaic solar installation.
    • Aids for green roofing.
    • Subsidies for rainwater harvesting.
    • Reductions on municipal taxes for renovated buildings.

    These aids vary greatly by region, highlighting the importance of local inquiries or consulting a professional who centralizes this information.

    Tax incentives

    Expenses related to energy improvement of housing can be deducted from taxable income.

    • Insulation work, heating replacement, solar panels, etc.
    • Applicable for owner-occupiers as well as investors.

    Purely aesthetic work (painting, decorative cladding) is not deductible.

    The Avenir Rénovations teams can collaborate with your fiduciary to maximize your tax deductions.

    How to combine aids and loans to maximize your budget?

    How to combine aids and loans to maximize your budget?

    An effective financing often relies on a smart combination of several schemes.

    Concrete examples of financing

    Type of work Available aids Additional financing Total possible savings
    Roof insulation Buildings Program + Canton Mortgage loan 30–40 % of total cost
    Heating replacement Canton + Confederation Eco-loan 25–35 %
    Comprehensive renovation CECB+ + Local grants Mortgage extension Up to 50 %
    Solar installation Pronovo + Municipality Green loan 30–40 % + resale of electricity

    Tips for effectively managing the financing of your renovation

    1. Establish a clear overall budget.
      List each expense item and allow for a 10 to 15 % margin for unforeseen costs.
    2. Prioritize energy-related work.
      These are the most subsidized and the most profitable in the long term.
    3. Never start work before securing funding agreements.
      Public programs require a prior application.
    4. Compare multiple banking offers.
      Even a 0.5 % difference in the rate can represent several thousand francs in savings.
    5. Hire certified craftsmen.
      This is a prerequisite for public aid (Minergie, CECB, SIA labels).
    6. Delegate coordination to a single professional.
      Avenir Rénovations Suisse handles planning, financing, and complete administrative follow-up.

    FAQ on financing renovation work in Switzerland

    1. Can I combine multiple aids?
    Yes, it is possible if they do not cover the same expense item. Federal, cantonal, and municipal aids can be combined.

    2. Can tenants benefit from subsidies?
    No, only owner-occupants or landlords are eligible. However, tenants can convince their landlord to initiate the work.

    3. Are second homes included?
    Some local aids allow this, especially in mountain areas, but national programs target primary residences.

    4. Is a building permit required for renovations?
    Yes, for work that alters the exterior appearance (facade, roof, extension). Interior renovations generally do not require one.

    5. What types of work are excluded from aids?
    Purely decorative or non-energy-related projects (painting, furniture, decoration) are not subsidized.

    6. How long does it take to obtain aid?
    Between 1 and 3 months, depending on the complexity of the file and the responsiveness of the cantonal authorities.

    Turn to Avenir Rénovations for your work in French-speaking Switzerland 

    Financing renovation work in Switzerland is now easier and more advantageous than it seems, provided you have the right support.
    Thanks to mortgage loans, eco-loans, and public subsidies, it is possible to renovate your home while minimizing the impact on your budget.

    With Avenir Rénovations Switzerland, you benefit from comprehensive and personalized support:

    • Technical and financial assessment of the project,
    • Research and accumulation of available aids,
    • Preparation of administrative files,
    • Execution of work by certified craftsmen,
    • Site monitoring and compliance guarantee.

    We operate throughout French-speaking Switzerland: Geneva, Vaud, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, Valais, and Jura.
    Contact our experts today for a free quote and a complete simulation of your renovation financing plan.