From Dream Home to Tax Trap: When the New Kitchen in Your Property Suddenly Isn’t Tax-Deductible – with Jürg Furter
The episode where we ask: Will your property become your dream home or a money pit?
Orange tiles, dark wood and a kitchen straight out of the eighties: for some, a reason to walk straight out of the viewing. For others, the beginning of a great love story.
But between “This place has potential” and “We’ll just do a quick renovation”, there are often more costs, decisions and surprises than expected.
In this episode of Tax and the City, Julia Tatje talks to property entrepreneur Jürg Furter about renovations in Switzerland - and why gut instinct alone won’t get you through a building project or secure your financing.
They discuss hidden defects, realistic budgets, tax traps and which investments actually increase a property’s value. They also explore the abolition of imputed rental value and its potential impact on renovations and the property market.
Between orange bathrooms, renovation mishaps and the idea of funding a deposit with credit cards, one thing quickly becomes clear:
A house can be love at first sight - but the numbers still deserve a second look.
In this episode
Why unattractive properties can have real potential
Why “We’ll just do a quick renovation” is rarely a good plan
The difference between investments that maintain a property’s value and those that increase it
Why a new kitchen can come with a tax surprise
What banks look for when financing renovations
Why the purchase price and your deposit alone don’t make a workable budget
The importance of financial reserves and long-term affordability
How the abolition of imputed rental value could influence renovation decisions
Why experienced professionals and the right tradespeople are essential
The opportunities older properties can offer families and investors
The Bottom Line
For prospective buyers: Ugly tiles can be replaced. Hidden damage, unrealistic financing or a lack of reserves can be much harder to deal with. To spot a property’s potential, have an expert look beyond the façade.
For homeowners: A renovation starts with a clear plan. What needs doing, what is a personal preference, and which jobs can sensibly be combined? Budgeting, financing and tax considerations should be part of the process from the outset.
For investors: Not every expensive improvement adds an equivalent amount to a property’s value. Condition, location, demand and a clear strategy for renting or selling are what matter.
For everyone: You don’t need to be a construction professional, financing expert and tax adviser all at once. Involving the right specialists early can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Host and Guest
Julia Tatje – Swiss tax specialist for internationals and founder of taxum AG.
Jürg Furter - A property entrepreneur with experience in property financing and renovating older properties. In this conversation, he shares how renovating his own home became a professional passion - and why he sees potential where others see only dated kitchens and orange tiles.
Website: https://www.atanos.ch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jürgfurter
Listen and Connect
→ Website: https://www.taxum.ch/
→ LinkedIn: Julia Tatje – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-tatje/
→ Blog "Tax and the City": https://www.taxum.ch/blog
→ Podcast "Tax and the City": https://youtube.com/@tax_and_the_city
→ Contact Julia: https://www.taxum.ch/kontakt
Song: InRp - Golden Hour Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: InRp - Golden Hour (Vlog No Copyright Music)
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, investment or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals regarding your individual circumstances.
