Renovating a property: what tasks are required and when
A property is an investment over many years. Regular maintenance and renovations are important to ensure that it retains its value and remains in good condition for the long term. We outline the typical refurbishment schedule – and our interactive renovation planner allows you to systematically organise upcoming work and keep track of everything.
Why is regular property maintenance important?
Over time, weather, daily use and the natural ageing of materials leave their mark on every building. Seals lose their elasticity, technical equipment reaches the end of its service life and individual components have to be repaired or replaced.
By carrying out ongoing maintenance on your property, you can spot minor defects at an early stage and undertake repairs before they become a major problem. This helps secure the property’s value in the long term and avoids costly subsequent damage.
Which renovations are required and when?
Not all parts of a house age at the same rate. While some elements last for decades, others need to be replaced much earlier. The following overview provides an indication of when various renovations or refurbishments are typically required:
What kind of budget should be allocated for maintenance each year?
Even though major renovations aren’t required every year, it’s a good idea to build up financial reserves well in advance. Many experts recommend setting aside around 1% of the purchase price or building insurance value each year for maintenance and future renovations.
For older properties or those that are in greater need of renovation, a larger budget may be appropriate. Regularly setting aside reserves makes it easier to finance major investments later on.
Which renovations are tax deductible?
For tax purposes, a distinction is made between measures that preserve value and those that enhance it.
Value-preserving work helps to maintain the property’s existing condition. Examples include:
- Repainting the façade
- Replacing worn flooring
- Repairing a leaking roof
- Replacing an existing kitchen or heating system
Such maintenance costs can generally be deducted from taxable income.
Value-enhancing investments, on the other hand, improve the standard of the finish or increase the property’s value. These may include:
- Building a conservatory
- Converting the loft
- Adding a balcony
- Installing significantly higher-quality fixtures or fittings
In principle, these expenses are not deductible maintenance costs.
Energy-related renovations have their own rules. Under certain conditions, investments aimed at saving energy or protecting the environment – such as improved thermal insulation or replacing an old heating system with a more energy-efficient one – may also be tax-deductible. Cantonal regulations, among other things, determine which measures are recognised.
Important notice
On 28 September 2025, the referendum on the reform of the taxation of owner-occupied housing was approved. The reform concerns, among other things, the imputed rental value and tax deductions. Implementation will be determined by the Federal Council after consultations with the cantons — the information in this article refers to the legal framework that remains current until the reform comes into force. Further details are available from the Federal Department of Finance (FDF).
Flat-rate deduction or actual costs – which option is best?
In many cantons, property owners have two options for the tax deduction of maintenance costs.
- Flat-rate deduction: instead of submitting individual invoices, a flat-rate maintenance deduction is made.
- Actual costs: all deductible maintenance costs are substantiated based on the actual expenditure incurred.
Which option is more financially attractive depends on the expenditure in the respective tax year. For minor maintenance work, the flat-rate deduction is often sufficient. In the case of major value-preserving renovations, it may be a better option to deduct the actual costs.
That’s why it’s important to carefully save all invoices and receipts.
How can major renovations be planned in a tax-efficient manner?
In the case of more extensive maintenance work, the timing can also make a difference. If you complete all the renovations within a single tax year, you may incur high deductible costs, but you may miss out on the corresponding deductions for the following year.
However, if you spread value-preserving renovations over two tax years, you may be able to make better use of the tax benefits in both years.
Whether this approach is worthwhile depends on factors such as your income, the scope of the planned work and cantonal tax regulations. For a detailed assessment of your personal situation, it’s best to seek professional advice.
Summary
Long-term maintenance planning pays off for property owners. Regular investments help maintain a property’s value and prevent major damage. At the same time, it’s worth considering renovations from a tax perspective. By distinguishing between value-preserving and value-enhancing measures, carefully keeping receipts and carrying out larger projects strategically, owners can manage their expenses more effectively and also benefit from tax advantages, depending on the situation.
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