The reference mortgage rate stays at 1.25%

On 1 September 2026, the Federal Office for Housing announces that the reference mortgage rate applicable to leases remains at 1.25%. This rate applies throughout Switzerland. It is published in quarters of a percent.

The rule as it stands

The weighted average rate of mortgage claims on 30 June 2026 is 1.31%. It is unchanged. Commercial rounding sets the reference rate at 1.25% from 2 September 2026.

This reference rate moves only if the average falls below 1.13% or rises above 1.37%. It has stood at 1.25% since 2 September 2025.

What keeping the rate unchanged changes

The published rate does not change. For that reason alone, this quarter does not open a new claim for a reduction. It does not open a new claim for an increase either.

A rent that already rests on 1.25% is not recalculated because of this release. The release records that the rate is unchanged. It does not stand in for the lease, or for the last rent adjustment.

The remaining right if the rent still rests on 1.5% or more

If the rent still rests on 1.5% or more, a right to a reduction exists in principle. That right does not apply of itself in every lease. The lease, or the last rent adjustment, states the rate.

That statement shows whether the rent is still based on 1.5% or more. The release of 1 September 2026 does not replace that reading.

The leases left out

Indexed leases are excluded. Stepped leases are excluded. Turnover-linked leases are excluded.

Subsidized housing often stands apart.

Cost of living at 40%, and costs

The cost of living is taken into account at 40%. Maintenance costs can also play a part. Operating costs can do so too.

What this release does not decide

It does not set any rent amount in francs. It does not set a percentage that would apply of itself to each quarter of a point.

It does not say that an increase is open. It does not say that the rate will stay at 1.25% in December. The next release is announced for 1 December 2026.

It does not remove the need to read the lease. It does not remove the need to read the last rent adjustment. The rate on which the rent rests is stated there.

Frequently asked questions

• Did the rate change on 1 September 2026? No. The Federal Office for Housing announces that it remains at 1.25%.
• Since when has it stood at 1.25%? Since 2 September 2025. Commercial rounding keeps it at 1.25% from 2 September 2026.
• What is the average on 30 June 2026? The weighted average rate of mortgage claims is 1.31%. It is unchanged.
• When can the published rate move? Only if that average falls below 1.13% or rises above 1.37%.
• Does this quarter open a reduction or an increase? No. There is no new claim for a reduction or an increase from this quarter alone.
• Does a rent still based on 1.5% or more open a reduction? A right to a reduction exists in principle. The lease or the last rent adjustment states the rate. That right does not apply of itself in every lease.
• Which leases are excluded? Indexed, stepped and turnover-linked leases. Subsidized housing often stands apart.
• How is the cost of living taken into account? At 40%. Maintenance and operating costs can also play a part.
• When is the next release? On 1 December 2026. This text does not say which rate will be published then.

Avocados AI's Basic plan costs CHF 4.99 a month, the price of a coffee. It is there to organise the contract and the last rent adjustment, and to prepare the questions. It does not replace a lawyer's review of the file. The Swiss tenancy guide sets out the framework of rent, notice and the tenant's protection.

Sources

Federal Office for Housing, release of 1 September 2026. Rate series. Wording checked on 24 October 2026. Only the official publication is authoritative.