Helvetia and MoneyPark: a strong team for your mortgage

• Do you know the real market price or the sentimental value of your property?
• What are the drivers behind property values and are you aware of the consequences of over- or undervaluation?

When buying your property, you benefit from an independent property valuation by MoneyPark. This allows you not only to compare the market price and purchase price of your property, but also to make a comparison with other properties in the region.

Equity

The use of equity for the purchase of a property is mandatory.

• Do you know the minimum equity ratio requirements and what forms of equity are accepted?
• Is it worth voluntarily using more equity than would be required for the minimum ratio?
• Should you already minimize your mortgage costs at the time of purchase or would it be worth investing free equity capital elsewhere?
  

Promotion of home ownership (WEF)

The promotion of home ownership is a government policy measure aimed at enabling more people to afford to own their own home. As part of a withdrawal for the promotion of home ownership, cash from your pension fund and Pillar 3a assets can be withdrawn early. We answer the following questions for you, along with others:

• Why is it worthwhile making a WEF withdrawal even if you have sufficient equity?
• How can a WEF withdrawal generate additional tax savings under certain circumstance?
  

Mortgages – models and term

• When taking out a mortgage, there are a number of important questions to be clarified:
• What are the pros and cons of the various mortgage models – fixed-rate mortgage, Libor and variable-rate mortgage?
• Which mortgage is the right choice for your personal circumstances?
• What happens if you want to sell the property early?
• How can you avoid restrictions imposed by mortgage lenders?

There are two forms of mortgage repayment, both of which have pros and cons depending on the circumstances: direct or indirect repayment.

• Which method is best suited to your personal circumstances?
• What does the affordability calculation have to do with the repayment target and how can the latter be optimized?
• How can low interest rates and savings be used to build up additional reserves and what advantages does this have for the future?
• When does it make sense not to use Pillar 3a just for mortgage repayment purposes?
• When is it advantageous to keep a large mortgage rather than using your savings to pay it off?

Financing home ownership has a direct impact on your tax position.

• What expensive mistakes can be made in connection with home ownership when filing your tax return?
• Do you know the key differences between value-preserving and value-enhancing investments in the context of filing your tax return?
• How can you mitigate the additional tax burden of the imputed rental value?
• Do you make full use of the third pillar tax deduction options that are available?
• Why can an additional solution also make sense in the form of a Pillar 3b scheme?

The rules that apply in relation to tax law, inheritance law and state, occupational and private pension schemes will differ depending on whether you are single or married, cohabiting with a partner or living in a same-sex partnership.

• What implications do these differing lifestyles have for your pension arrangements?
• How can you provide optimum protection for your spouse/partner?

Income generally decreases sharply after retirement. Unexpected reductions in income can also occur as a result of incapacity to earn or death.

• Is there any guarantee you will still be able to afford to own your own home?
• Is there any guarantee your partner will still be able to afford the running costs and mortgage repayments in the event of your death?
• What are the implications for you if your mortgage lender arrives at a negative affordability calculation and how can they be avoided?

When an inheritance includes a residential property, the heirs will have to sort out compulsory shares or compensatory claims when the estate comes to be divided. If there are insufficient disposable assets to cover these compulsory shares, the property may have to be sold.

• What does a death benefit insurance have to do with protecting compulsory shares of an inheritance?
• Why is it essential to have an inheritance contract with children over 18 years of age?
• Why is marital status decisive and what additional requirements can arise?

When a mortgage expires or is renewed, the mortgage lender carries out a value/market value adjustment. In doing so, the mortgage lender may, where appropriate, reduce the amount of the desired mortgage or increase the repayment requirements. The desired loan amount may no longer be granted.

• Are you aware of the risks and are you prepared for this critical situation?
• What particularly needs to be borne in mind when refinancing?
• Which mortgage model is suitable for the next refinancing phase?
• Why should the desired loan be fully utilized even if you have sufficient equity?

Condominium ownership involves individual regulations and management contracts.

• What points do you need to pay particular attention to?
• What functions and responsibilities do the committee, the management and the building commission have, for example, in the case of renovation work?

When purchasing an investment property, the focus is on a profitable and secure capital investment.

• What is the best way to implement financing from equity, mortgages and investments so as to maximize the profitability of the capital investment?
• Is there also a repayment obligation for investment properties and what forms are available?