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Real Estate & Capital Gains in Fribourg

Real estate taxation in Switzerland includes capital gains tax on property (IBGI), imputed rental value, property tax, and wealth tax. We assist you during the purchase, ownership, or sale of property to optimize your tax burden. We precisely calculate deductions for maintenance costs, mortgage interest, and indirect amortization via pillar 3a.

Updated February 2026

40%
Maximum marginal rate
Filing deadline
4
Main deductions

Real estate taxation in Switzerland is a complex area that impacts every stage of a property owner's life: purchase, ownership, and sale. Good tax planning can generate significant savings over the long term.

At purchase: transfer duties vary from 0% to over 3% of the purchase price depending on the canton. Notary fees and intercalary interest during construction should be factored into the tax planning.

During ownership: the imputed rental value -- a notional income corresponding to approximately 60-70% of the market rent -- is added to your taxable income, even if you live in your own property. In return, you can deduct mortgage interest, maintenance costs (flat rate or actual costs), and building insurance premiums. The strategy is to alternate between the flat rate and actual costs depending on the year, grouping renovation work to maximize deductions.

At sale: capital gains tax on real estate (IBGI) applies to the difference between the sale price and the purchase price (including value-enhancing investments). The rate is degressive based on the holding period -- the longer you hold, the less you pay. A replacement purchase (reinvestment in another property) allows you to defer this tax.

Indirect amortization via pillar 3a allows you to maintain mortgage interest deductions while building up tax-deductible pension capital.

Our experts precisely calculate the tax impact of each option and recommend the optimal strategy for your situation.

Key deductions — Canton of Fribourg

Pillar 3a: up to CHF 7,258 for employees affiliated with a 2nd pillar pension fund (2025)

Health and accident insurance premiums: flat-rate deduction according to the cantonal scale, varying based on family situation

Third-party childcare costs: deductible up to CHF 25,500 per child at the federal level for children under 14

Donations to public-benefit institutions: deductible up to 20% of net income at both cantonal and federal levels

Frequently asked questions

What is the imputed rental value and how is it calculated?
The imputed rental value is a notional income that property owners must declare, corresponding to the rent they could obtain on the market (generally 60-70% of the actual market rent). It is set by the cantonal tax authority and is added to your taxable income. In return, you can deduct mortgage interest and maintenance costs.
Is it better to deduct the flat rate or actual maintenance costs?
The flat rate generally represents 10-20% of the imputed rental value depending on the age of the building. If your actual maintenance costs (renovations, repairs) exceed this flat rate, opt for actual costs. The optimal strategy is to group renovation work into one year and alternate between the flat rate and actual costs.
How does the municipal coefficient work in Fribourg?
In Fribourg, the base cantonal tax is multiplied by a municipal coefficient that varies depending on the municipality of residence. This coefficient is set each year by the municipal council and generally ranges between 70% and 100% of the base cantonal tax. The lowest-taxed municipalities in the canton include Düdingen, Bösingen, and certain municipalities in the Lake district. The choice of municipality of domicile can therefore have a significant impact on the total tax burden.
What are the tax advantages for families in Fribourg?
The Canton of Fribourg provides several specific deductions for families. Each dependent child entitles the taxpayer to a cantonal social deduction. Third-party childcare costs are deductible, and the canton applies partial splitting for married couples to mitigate tax progressivity. Additionally, Fribourg family allowances are among the highest in Switzerland, with amounts of CHF 285 per child and CHF 365 for children in education.