Selling a house in the Baselbiet: the process in 8 steps
For most owners, selling a house is the biggest financial transaction of their lives – and it happens only once or twice. Those who know the process negotiate better, save time and avoid costly mistakes. This guide shows step by step how the sale of a house or condominium works in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
In brief
- Duration from valuation to land register entry: usually 3 to 4 months
- The purchase contract must be notarised by a notary – a private contract is void
- Costs for the seller: broker’s commission, share of notary fees, transfer tax 1.25 %, property gains tax on the gain
- The most common mistake: an asking price that is too high
The valuation – a realistic price instead of a wish price
Everything starts with the right figure. A serious valuation compares your property with actual sales of similar properties in the region (hedonic method) and takes into account location, condition, year of construction, fittings and upcoming renovations. Online calculators deliver a figure in seconds – but know neither your house nor your neighbourhood.
In Liestal and the surrounding area, asking prices in 2026 are around CHF 7,700–8,000 per square metre for single-family homes and CHF 8,500–9,600 for condominiums. At 0.6 %, the vacancy rate in the canton is at its lowest for nine years – a seller’s market, if the price is right.
Mandate and documents
With the brokerage mandate you commission us with the sale. At ImmoBilà the mandate is free of charge: no advance payment, no advertising costs, commission from 1 % only after notarisation. At the same time we put together the sales dossier:
- Current land register extract (Land Registry Office Basel-Landschaft in Arlesheim)
- Building insurance certificate from the Basellandschaftliche Gebäudeversicherung (BGV)
- Floor plans and cadastral plans, building permits, documentation of conversions
- Service charge statements of recent years, existing mortgage notes
- For condominiums: deed of constitution, regulations, minutes, status of the renovation fund
If anything is missing, we obtain it – you only pay the official fees. In the canton of Basel-Landschaft a building energy certificate (GEAK) is voluntary when selling, but it builds trust for older houses.
The pricing strategy
An asking price that is too high costs months: the serious buyers are active in the first two to three weeks. Anyone who is too expensive then gets overlooked – and has to reduce later, which buyers read as weakness. A price that is too low costs money. The right strategy: a market-based price with a defined negotiating margin, or a bidding process for very sought-after properties.
Marketing
- Professional photos, drone footage and floor plans if required
- Sales documentation with all the facts – buyers and their banks ask for it
- Listings on Homegate, ImmoScout24 and other portals
- Approaching our network of prospective buyers and investors in the region
The active marketing phase usually lasts 6 to 10 weeks.
Viewings and negotiation
We conduct the viewings, pre-screen prospective buyers and negotiate for you. You do not need to be there – many owners prefer not to be, because buyers speak more openly when the owner is not in the room. After each appointment you receive feedback.
Reservation agreement and financing confirmation
Once a buyer has decided, both parties sign a reservation agreement with a deposit of usually 1–2 % of the purchase price. It secures the negotiation phase while the buyer arranges the financing. Only the notarised purchase contract is legally binding. In parallel, the buyer presents the financing confirmation from their bank.
Notary and notarisation
In the canton of Basel-Landschaft the notarial profession is independent: you choose a self-employed notary with state authorisation to notarise. The notary draws up the purchase contract, checks the land register and easements and notarises the contract in the presence of both parties. The buyer presents an irrevocable payment undertaking from their bank.
Land register entry and payout
Ownership passes with the entry in the land register. The purchase price is paid out via the notary – usually 2 to 4 weeks after notarisation. Part of it may be withheld to secure the property gains tax. The keys are handed over on the agreed date with a handover report.
Costs and duration at a glance
| Item | Amount / rule | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage commission ImmoBilà GmbH | from 1 % of the sale price, only on success | Seller |
| Notary (purchase contract & notarisation) | CHF 800–2,500 depending on effort, plus VAT | usually split equally |
| Land registry office | approx. CHF 300 | usually the buyer |
| Transfer tax | 1.25 % each for seller and buyer; exemption for owner-occupation/replacement purchase | both |
| Property gains tax | 3–25 % on the gain; deferral for replacement purchase | Seller |
Guide values canton of Basel-Landschaft, as of 2026.
The 5 most common mistakes when selling a house
- Asking price too high – the best buyers are there in the first weeks
- Incomplete documents – delays financing and the notary appointment
- Major renovations before the sale – the buyer has their own ideas; small measures are enough
- Taxes not planned – clarify replacement purchase and investment costs in good time
- Sale without a credit check of the buyer – request the financing confirmation before the reservation
Questions on this topic.
How long does a house sale take in the Baselbiet?
Usually 3 to 4 months from valuation to land register entry.
- Marketing 6–10 weeks
- Reservation to notarisation 4–6 weeks
- Payout 2–4 weeks after notarisation
Do I have to appear at the notary in person?
Yes, usually both parties.
- Representation with a notarially certified power of attorney is possible
- We accompany you to the appointment
Can I sell my house myself?
Yes – but you only save the commission if you achieve the better price.
- Without market knowledge the price is often set too low or too high
- Viewings, credit checks and the notary take time
- With ImmoBilà you pay from 1 % – and only on success
What does the valuation cost?
Nothing. It is free and non-binding.
Ready for the first step?
Free on-site valuation – non-binding, with no pressure to sell.
Let’s talk about your property.
Call or write to us – reply within 24 hours.
ImmoBilà GmbH · Schneckelerstrasse 1, 4414 Füllinsdorf
info@immobila.swiss · Mon–Fri 8:00–12:00, 13:30–17:30