When should I start preparing to renew my mortgage?

Ideally, start the process 12 to 18 months before your mortgage expires. This gives you time to compare offers, negotiate rates, and potentially lock in an advantageous forward rate. At 6 months before expiry, you are already in a rush.

Will my current bank automatically offer me the best rate?

No. Banks count on the inertia of their clients and often propose a standard rate, rarely the most competitive one. By comparing with other lenders, you can obtain a reduction of 0.20% to 0.50% on your rate, which represents thousands of francs in savings.

How much can you save by comparing renewal offers?

On a mortgage of CHF 800,000, a difference of 0.30% in rate represents CHF 2,400 in savings per year, or CHF 24,000 over 10 years. By going through a broker who compares 40+ partners, the average savings observed are CHF 15,000 to 30,000 over the contract duration.

Can I switch banks when renewing my mortgage?

Yes, absolutely. When your mortgage expires, you are free to transfer your loan to another lender at no penalty cost. The transfer of the mortgage note (cedule hypothecaire) is a simple formality. It is also an excellent negotiation lever.

Is the renewal a good time to review my mortgage strategy?

Yes, it is the ideal moment. You can review the term (switch from fixed rate to SARON or vice versa), the amount (additional amortisation), the tranche split, and even optimise your tax situation. A broker can guide you through this comprehensive review.

Renewing your mortgage in Switzerland: the complete guide

Renewing your mortgage is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. Yet the majority of Swiss homeowners renew automatically with their current bank, without comparing. The result: they pay thousands of francs too much every year. This guide explains how to avoid that trap.

Why not simply renew with your current bank?

When your mortgage reaches its maturity date, your bank sends you a renewal proposal. This offer is rarely the most competitive on the market. Banks know it: the majority of their clients sign without comparing, out of convenience or lack of awareness.

In Switzerland, it is estimated that more than 60% of homeowners do not compare when renewing. This is a costly mistake. The Swiss mortgage market has over 100 lenders (cantonal banks, major banks, private banks, insurance companies, pension funds) and rate differences between them can exceed 0.50%.

The numbers speak for themselves

Let's take a concrete example with a CHF 800,000 mortgage:

Scenario	Rate	Annual cost	Cost over 10 years
Current bank offer	1.85%	CHF 14,800	CHF 148,000
Best negotiated offer	1.50%	CHF 12,000	CHF 120,000
Savings	0.35%	CHF 2,800	CHF 28,000

A difference of 0.35% may seem small, but over 10 years it represents CHF 28,000 in savings. That is the price of a new kitchen or an energy-efficient renovation.

The 5 steps to a successful renewal

1. Anticipate: start 12 to 18 months ahead

Renewal requires advance preparation. At 12-18 months before maturity, you can already monitor the rate market and, if appropriate, lock in an advantageous forward rate. The longer you wait, the less room you have to manoeuvre. Discover our detailed guide on when to start the process.

2. Analyse your current situation

Before comparing offers, take stock: what is your current rate? What is the current value of your property? Has your financial situation changed (income, savings, projects)? These factors directly influence the conditions you can negotiate.

3. Compare offers from multiple lenders

This is the key step. Do not settle for just one or two offers. In Switzerland, rate differences between lenders are significant. A mortgage broker compares offers from 40+ banks and insurance companies on your behalf, maximising your chances of getting the best rate. See our page on the advantages of a mortgage broker.

4. Choose the right strategy

Renewal is the opportunity to review your strategy: fixed rate or SARON? What term? Should you split into tranches? Each option has its advantages and risks. Explore our guides:

5. Negotiate and finalise

With multiple offers in hand, you are in a strong negotiating position. Even your current bank will be willing to make an effort if you show them that competitors are offering better terms. A broker handles this negotiation for you, free of charge.

Find out how much you can save on your renewal

Simulate my renewal

Mortgage rates in March 2026

To negotiate well, it is essential to know the market. Here are the indicative rate ranges in March 2026:

Mortgage type	Indicative rate
SARON (variable)	0.64% - 1.20%
Fixed rate 2 years	1.10% - 1.55%
Fixed rate 5 years	1.09% - 1.65%
Fixed rate 10 years	1.50% - 2.05%

The SNB policy rate is currently at 0.0%, a historically low level that is reflected in SARON rates. Fixed rates, determined by the capital markets (swap rates), also remain attractive for short and medium terms.

Renewing with a broker: how does it work?

Using a mortgage broker like Vision Hypotheques considerably simplifies the renewal process. Here is how it works:

Free initial consultation: you explain your situation and objectives to us.
File analysis: we study your current mortgage, the value of your property and your financial profile.
Competitive bidding: we request offers from our 40+ banking and insurance partners.
Presentation of the best offers: we present a clear comparison with our recommendations.
Negotiation and finalisation: we negotiate the final conditions and support you through to signing.

The service is entirely free for you. We are compensated by the lending institution in the form of a commission, which does not affect the rate you receive.

Mistakes to avoid when renewing

Waiting until the last moment: at 3 months before maturity, you have no negotiating margin left.
Only comparing with one or two banks: the Swiss market has over 100 lenders, and the differences are significant.
Ignoring SARON: in a low-rate environment, a SARON mortgage can be significantly cheaper than a fixed rate.
Signing tranches with the same bank: this can create a lock-in that limits your future negotiating power.
Not reviewing amortisation: renewal is the opportunity to optimise your amortisation (direct vs indirect via pillar 3a).

Our guides for an optimal renewal

To explore each aspect of renewal in depth, consult our specialised guides:

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