| RAMZI CHAMAT | OAKS GROUP
For over twenty years, Casatax has been one of the key tools used by the Canton of Geneva to support access to homeownership. By reducing property transfer fees, it provides concrete assistance to buyers of primary residences. In a tight real estate market where every advantage matters, this measure remains essential for many households.
Launched in 2004 following a popular initiative from the Geneva Real Estate Chamber, Casatax was designed to ease the financial burden of property purchases. By offering a flat-rate reduction on transfer duties and halving the fees on mortgage notes, the scheme aims to encourage household stability and promote homeownership.
Its success is due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and ongoing evolution, linked to annual indexation based on Geneva’s construction price index.
Casatax came into effect on March 4, 2004, with an initial price cap set at CHF 1 million and a maximum reduction of CHF 15,000. From the outset, the goal was clear: make homeownership more accessible in a canton where real estate prices are among the highest in Switzerland.
The eligibility conditions remain unchanged:
In 2025, Casatax offers:
Total savings can reach nearly CHF 27,000.
For 2026, the exact figures have not yet been released. However, based on annual indexation tied to Geneva’s construction price index, we can anticipate:
These figures are indicative and will need to be confirmed by the State Council in spring 2026.
Casatax operates alongside other mechanisms such as LAPI loans and guarantees. Since 2025, LAPI price caps have been aligned with Casatax, strengthening the coherence of these schemes and offering buyers a valuable combination of tax relief and financing support.
Over the past two decades, Casatax has become a cornerstone of Geneva’s housing policy. Its consistency, regular updates, and complementarity with other support measures make it a major asset for homebuyers.
In 2026, although the exact figures will be confirmed at a later date, all indications suggest the scheme will continue to offer significant relief to future homeowners, reaffirming its strategic role in supporting property access.
