Can I influence the interior design when using for the first time?

Participation in initial subscription

Whether you can influence the interior design depends on when the contract is concluded. Buyers of condominium ownership can usually decide on floor coverings, kitchens and sanitary facilities up to the end of the shell (budget positions). For tenant, the impact of initial withdrawals is usually reduced to zero, as institutional investors (pension funds) prefer standardized expansion lines. There are only exceptions for very early rental contracts in certain “high-end” segments, where small adjustments such as the choice of wall color are possible at an additional cost.

Influence for buyers: The world of “buyer wishes”

When you buy a condominium “off plan”, you not only purchase a finished product, but also actively participate in the development process. The general contractor usually provides you with a so-called building description.

Budget items and special requests

The purchase price includes standard amounts for the most important expansion elements. These positions form the basis for your negotiation:

• floor coverings: You usually have the choice between different types of parquet or boards. If you choose a more expensive material, pay the difference and often a handling fee from the general contractor.
• kitchen: This is where the leeway is greatest. You can change the layout, choose high-quality appliances from brands such as V-ZUG or Miele, or customize the worktop.
• sanitary facilities: Whether it's a rain shower or a free-standing bathtub — many adjustments are possible within the pipeline.

The reality for tenant: standardization vs. individuality

For tenant, the situation with their first occupancy in 2026 usually looks sobering. Since most new construction projects in cities such as Zurich or Geneva are built by institutional investors, cost efficiency is paramount.

Why tenant are rarely allowed to have a say

landlord prefer a “robust standard” that requires little maintenance over many years and remains attractive to the masses.

• Guarantee services: The general contractor provides the owner with guarantees on the standard installation. Individual tenant requests would interrupt this chain of liability.
• maintenance costs: Uniform floor coverings and fittings make replacement easier when tenants change.
• timetable: A tenant is often only sought after the interior design has already been ordered or is in progress. A change would jeopardize the subscription date.

The cost trap: additional costs and architect fees

Each special request for a first time subscription triggers a cascade of administrative processes. This results in costs that go far beyond the pure material value.

Transparency in supplementary offers

If you make adjustments as a buyer, you will receive a “supplementary offer.” This includes:

• material difference: The extra charge for the higher-quality product.
• Additional installation fee: When the installation of large-format panels is more complex than the standard.
• planning costs: The architect or specialist planner usually charges 10% to 15% on the additional costs for the replanning.
• reduced costs: Make sure that you are correctly credited with the unselected standard — a “business discount” is often deducted here, which reduces the credit amount.

Legal and organizational details

In addition to personal taste, building standards (SIA standards) and deadlines play a decisive role. Anyone who misses the deadline to order the kitchen has to live with the standard.

The “deadline” structure in the construction process

A construction project is a logistical clock. There are fixed deadlines after which changes will no longer be accepted:

• Line planning: As soon as the concrete walls are poured, the positions of sockets and water connections are fixed.
• Order deadlines: In 2026, high-quality kitchens or special floor coverings often have delivery times of 4 to 6 months.
• Utilization rate & statics: Massive changes to the floor plan (e.g. wall openings) often fail due to the utilization rate or static fire protection requirements.

Regional aspect: high-end segment in western Switzerland

In regions such as Geneva or Vaud (Vaud), there are certainly opportunities for tenant to exert influence in the luxury segment. “Shell & Core” models are often offered here, in which the tenant (usually in the case of very long-term contracts or commercial mixed zones) can help shape the expansion for an additional rental fee. However, this requires expert-level tenant due diligence so as not to allow future service charges to rise uncontrollably.

Conclusion: System beats luck through early planning

Influencing the interior design when you first move into it is a question of status and timing. While buyers have the opportunity to complete their dream home, tenant usually have to rely on the landlord's selection.

In summary, it can be stated that if you want to design, you have to buy early. The earlier you start the project process, the sooner you can implement floor plan changes. Do not rely on verbal promises from the seller, but have any special request fixed in writing. Use the data power of modern portals such as heyloft.ch to find projects at a stage where your handwriting still has room. With the right preparation, your perfect match — individual and modern — is within reach.

glossary

• reference interest rate: The key indicator for your rent structure. It indirectly influences the scope for expansion requests among tenants, as higher interest rates increase cost pressure on the landlord.
• Buying doesn't break rent: Your legal protection (Art. 261 OR). If, as a tenant, you make your own investments (with consent), these rights will be retained even if the property is sold.
• Tenant due diligence: Your personal due diligence When you buy for the first time, analyze the building description to understand exactly which materials are being used before you sign the contract.