Second Home in Ticino: What Owners Need to Know
Why Ticino is booming for second homes
Mild climate, lakes, mountains and Italian lifestyle – Ticino is Switzerland's most popular holiday region for second homes. Add attractive prices compared to Lake Zurich or the Engadin and the proximity to Milan. Many owners come from German-speaking Switzerland or abroad – and exactly they need local support.
Legal basics: the Lex Koller explained briefly
People without residence in Switzerland may generally only buy residential property with a permit (Lex Koller). For holiday homes in recognised tourist areas there are exceptions with annual quotas – the Ticino municipalities on Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore are among them. Important: check this before buying with a lawyer or notary; the rules are complex and differ by canton.
The ongoing duties of a second home
A holiday home in Ticino needs year-round care – even if you are only there a few weeks per year:
- Regular checks: water, heating, mould, pests
- Garden, terrace, pool and possibly jetty care
- Mail, municipal charges and tourist tax accounting
- Contractor appointments and access organisation
- Preparation before every arrival and securing after departure
Remote care: how it works
Most Ticino second home owners solve this with local care: regular inspections with photo reports, key holding, coordination of Italian-speaking craftsmen and an arrival service providing heating, supplies and fresh linen. You arrive – and the holiday starts immediately.
We look after second homes in Ticino
Swiss PA Services looks after holiday homes and second residences in Lugano, Morcote, Gandria and around Lake Lugano. We communicate with you in German or English and coordinate everything on site in Italian. Contact us for a free initial visit to your property.