Take out a SARON Mortgage
...and switch later
Some mortgage borrowers deliberately start with a and plan to switch to a . At first glance, this sounds logical—but in practice, it’s often not a good idea. By the time rising interest rates become apparent, the markets have usually already priced them in. Anyone who switches at that point will already be paying higher fixed-rate mortgage interest rates. Some advisors still recommend this approach—but for the customer, it’s rarely good advice in the long run.
SARON Hypothek
Eine SARON-Hypothek ist eine geldmarktbasierte Hypothek mit variablem Zinssatz. Sie eignet sich vor allem für Kreditnehmer, die Zinsschwankungen tragen können und von transparenten, kurzfristigen Marktzinsen profitieren möchten. Mehr dazu auch hier: Festhypothek oder Saron-Hypothek?Saron-Hypothek abschliessen und später in Festhypothek wechseln?
A fixed-rate mortgage is a mortgage with a fixed interest rate over an agreed-upon term. This means that the mortgage interest rate remains unchanged throughout the entire term, providing predictability regarding financing costs. Fixed-rate mortgages are among the most popular types of mortgages in Switzerland. Learn more here: Fixed-Rate Mortgages in Switzerland
A Brief Explanation
The Idea Behind the Strategy
The reasoning behind this is simple: as long as interest rates are low, you should take advantage of the low-cost SARON Mortgage—if they rise, you’ll switch to a Fixed-rate mortgage in a timely manner. The goal: to combine the best of both worlds.
Why this strategy rarely works.
In reality, this approach usually falls short at the crucial point: interest rates are unpredictable. The markets react quickly, erratically, and often unpredictably—it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the “perfect time” to switch. What’s more, by the time the SARON mortgage becomes more expensive, interest rates for long-term Fixed-rate mortgages have usually already risen significantly. Anyone who switches at that point ends up paying the full price. Or to put it another way: Unfortunately, even the best bank advisor doesn’t have a crystal ball to see into the future.
The biggest drawbacks
At a glance
Mehr Informationen zu diesem Thema finden Sie auch hier: SARON-Hypothek
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about switching to a fixed-rate mortgage
Yes, switching is generally possible. In many cases, however, this is only possible with the same provider, especially if there is a fixed-term period. Therefore, it’s important to check the terms of your SARON Mortgage contract and the notice periods.
In theory, the strategy sounds convincing—but in practice, it rarely works. It’s impossible to predict the right time to switch, even though the strategy gives you exactly that sense of control. Anyone who actually catches the right moment is just lucky. But you shouldn’t rely on luck when it comes to financial matters.
Switching to a fixed-rate mortgage makes sense if you need more planning certainty or if your financial situation has changed—not primarily because of interest rate forecasts or current interest rate changes.
Anyone who has to switch after interest rates rise because the increased interest burden is causing unease has chosen the wrong model from the start. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable with a SARON Mortgage should—especially when interest rates are low—take out a fixed-rate mortgage right away, without taking the detour.
No. Most SARON mortgages are subject to a framework agreement with a term of two to five years—during this term, it is not possible to switch providers.
Mehr dazu auch hier
Richtiger Zeitpunkt zur Ablösung einer Hypothek
A clear, long-term mortgage strategy makes more sense than tactical switching—whether that means a fully SARON mortgage, a fully Fixed-rate mortgage, or a carefully planned mix. This strategy should be based on a long-term financial plan that also takes your personal tax situation into account.
If possible, choose a SARON mortgage without a fixed term and with a short notice period. This way, you’ll stay flexible—whether you want to or switch to a Fixed-rate mortgage.
Another advantage: Your current provider will also offer you better terms if they know you could switch at any time.
Ein Anbieterwechsel der Hypothek bedeutet, dass eine bestehende Hypothek bei Ablauf oder unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen zu einer anderen Bank, Versicherung oder Pensionskasse übertragen wird. Durch einen Hypothekenvergleich verschiedener Hypothekarangebote können oft deutlich bessere Hypothekenzinssätze erzielt werden. Hypotheken-Plattformen wie HYPOTHEKE.ch helfen dabei, die beste Hypothek zu finden.
Many SARON mortgages are tied to a of two to five years. This significantly restricts your freedom of choice: You cannot switch providers during this period, and anyone who wants to switch to a Fixed-rate mortgage is limited to the options offered by their current provider.
Result: You lose your bargaining power and “have to accept the offered Interest rate.”
The framework term defines the period during which a mortgage must be held with a specific Mortgage lender. Within this term, individual tranches or Mortgage loan models may be partially adjusted. However, switching to another provider is often only possible to a limited extent—or not at all—during the framework term. The framework term therefore significantly affects the long-term flexibility of a financing arrangement.
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Insights on how to get the best interest rates, tips for taking out a Mortgage, and guidance to help you avoid the mistakes that almost everyone else makes.
“Sign up with SARON and switch later”
Why certain banks like to recommend this strategy
Der Ablauf ist oft derselbe:
- Empfehlung: SARON-Hypothek abschliessen
- Argument: «Sie können später wechseln»
- Zinsen steigen
- Empfehlung: Jetzt Festhypothek abschliessen und Risiko absichern
Conclusion: You’re switching at exactly the wrong time—namely, after an interest rate hike. It’s exactly the same as if someone were to advise you: “Buy 100% stocks; when the market corrects, you can sell immediately.” It won’t work—or only if you’re extremely lucky. And as we all know, luck is a poor guide when it comes to financial matters.
Wenn Sie unsicher sind, holen Sie sich neutrale Hilfe: Unabhängige Hypothekarberatung bei HYPOTHEKE.ch
Switching Anyway
When Switching Might Make Sense
There are situations in which switching makes perfect sense—for example, if your risk tolerance has changed, you need more planning certainty, or your financial or personal circumstances have changed significantly.
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