Selling property in Nürensdorf: it comes down to the land

A large part, if you set the two official figures side by side. In 2025 a house cost a median of CHF 2,614 per square metre of plot, building included.² The cantonal model puts bare residential building land at CHF 2,369.⁹ Typical model values range from CHF 1,672 to CHF 3,359.

Arithmetically, little is left for the building. One figure comes from sales, the other from a model, so they only show the direction. Land has also risen sharply: since 2015 the model has gained 103.7 per cent, more than doubling.

What this means for you: with an older house, the land can make up most of the value. Then the size, shape and zone of the plot count for more than the kitchen. What also matters is the permitted density, that is, how much may be built on it. Ask for land and building to be shown separately in the valuation.

Because Nürensdorf has charged its own levy since 23 September 2023: 30 per cent of the gain in value minus CHF 100,000.⁶ Plots under 1,200 square metres are exempt.⁶ That is the smallest threshold cantonal law permits. But if the gain in value exceeds CHF 250,000, a smaller plot is liable too.⁷

The levy only concerns a gain in value from upzoning or rezoning, that is, when more may now be built. It only falls due on development, not on sale.⁸ If you sell beforehand, the obligation passes to the buyer. It therefore belongs in the sale contract.⁷

What this means for you: ask the building office whether your plot was upzoned or rezoned. This matters most from 1,200 square metres. If a levy may apply, put it on the table openly before a buyer discovers it. If land is newly zoned for building, the canton also charges its own levy of 20 per cent of the increase in value. Small gains are exempt.⁷

In the median example, CHF 183,904. The house median stood at CHF 790,000 in 2007 and CHF 1,637,500 in 2025.² Of the gain of CHF 847,500 the tax takes 21.7 per cent, of the sale price 11.2 per cent.¹ There is no house median for 2015, with only 14 sales.

The canton sets the tariff, the municipality levies the tax.¹ After 20 full years it would be CHF 164,200 on the same gain. If you bought over 20 years ago, you may use the market value of 20 years ago instead of the old price.¹ Where land has risen sharply, that can reduce the gain considerably.

The tax rate of 90 per cent, 185 per cent including the canton, only affects income and wealth.³ In Bassersdorf you would pay about 13 per cent more cantonal and municipal tax, in Kloten about 5 per cent more. What this means for you: if you move away, factor in your future income tax.