Our family is considering buying a house in the Swiss Romand and are curious to know what are the capital gains taxes are like in the 2 cantons and similarly- inheritance laws and taxes. I know that there is a law about how you can dispose of your assets and that Geneva fairly recently abolished inheritance taxes for direct descendants (how direct?) and that Vaud has not but is supposedly considering it?? Any reliable details would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Jen

Capital gains taxes on property are dependent on how long you hold the property but are anyway postponed if you meet certain conditions and buy a new house within Switzerland. As to inheritance taxes and the law, yes there are rules to be obeyed but if you are a foreign citizen your estate can be ruled by the laws of your country of origin.