28 October 2026 — Ramzi Chamat

Real Estate Taxation and Regulation in Geneva: 2026 Update

The Geneva real estate landscape in 2026 is defined by regulatory stability while preparing for significant structural changes. For property owners and investors, mastering current rules is essential to secure asset management and long-term planning.

Imputed rental value in Geneva: A system maintained until 2028

In 2026, the taxation of imputed rental value remains a reality for owner-occupiers. This notional income, calculated based on the property's surface area, amenities, and location, remains taxable. The Geneva Council of State continues to perform annual indexation of this value. This system remains in force until December 31, 2028.

Towards a historic reform on January 1, 2029

The abolition of the imputed rental value, accepted by the Swiss electorate on September 28, 2025, will take effect on January 1, 2029, a date confirmed by the Federal Council on April 1, 2026 [3, 5, 7]. From 2029, owners will no longer need to declare notional income for their primary or secondary residences. In return, the deduction for maintenance costs will be abolished for owner-occupied housing, while rules regarding the deduction of passive interest will be restricted, with specific provisions for first-time buyers [5, 10].

Real estate taxation: Optimization levers

In Geneva, direct local taxation remains a key area of focus. Owners can utilize several levers:

Deduction of passive interest, within legal limits.
Investments in energy renovation, strongly encouraged by cantonal subsidies.
Accelerated depreciation, subject to accounting justification before the end of the fiscal year.

Land use planning and regulatory constraints

Real estate development in Geneva is strictly governed by development zones and local neighborhood plans (PLQ). Land scarcity necessitates qualitative densification, where every project must meet high energy performance requirements (THPE). For OAKS GROUP, this constraint is a driver of innovation: we prioritize projects that integrate these standards from the design phase to ensure the durability and market value of our assets.

Key takeaways

Imputed rental value remains taxable in 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The abolition of the imputed rental value is set for January 1, 2029 [3, 5].
The 2029 reform will remove the maintenance cost deduction for owner-occupied properties [5, 9].
Energy performance is a major fiscal and asset management lever in Geneva.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the imputed rental value abolished as of 2026?

No, the current system of taxing imputed rental value remains fully applicable until December 31, 2028. The effective abolition of this tax will only occur on January 1, 2029, in accordance with the Federal Council's decision [4, 5].

What will be the impact of the 2029 reform on tax deductions?

Starting in 2029, the deduction for maintenance costs will be abolished for owner-occupied housing, and the deduction for passive interest will be limited. These changes are intended to compensate for the end of the taxation of notional income linked to the imputed rental value [5, 10].

How can I optimize my real estate taxes in Geneva in 2026?

Optimization relies on rigorous management of deductible expenses, particularly mortgage interest and maintenance costs. Investing in energy renovation also allows you to benefit from cantonal subsidies while sustainably increasing the value of your property.