With the way UK property vlues have risen over the last 30 years, there's no way I'd sell a place in the UK. I bought a semi there in 1994, lived in it for 3 years and now it's rented out. In about 6 years the mortgage will be fully paid off by a succession of renters and it's qradrupled in value.

Property values in Switzerland stay relatively flat or rise by very small amounts. OK, there are other reasons to buy something of one's own, but I would consider the rent or buy question very carefully if I were you.

The "two mortgages" is not a fixed thing - just very common. As far as I can see it depends on how much you borrow. Two mortgages also offer more flexibility on rates and when each must be repaid.

By the way, a few Cantons want only 10% deposits. Schwyz is one - and that's where we bought, luckily! Low taxes and low deposits!

Shop around too - most Swiss don't - but a friend of mine buying near Bern did so at my suggestion and saved a lot. Most people just ask their own bank, but the Kantonalbanks often have very good deals, as does Migrosbank. Comparis also keeps an eye on mortgage rates.

RS