Inheritance and estate

Selling an inherited property

An inherited house carries memories and often several opinions. Heirs who know the rules of the community of heirs and talk openly about figures usually reach a good solution.

The heirs decide together

Until the estate is divided, it belongs to all heirs jointly. They decide on a sale unanimously. Every heir may ask for the division at any time. If the heirs cannot agree, the court can order a sale.

The certificate of inheritance opens the land register

The competent authority issues the heirs a certificate of inheritance. With it they are entered in the land register and can sell. Have the land register extract, plans and building insurance ready as well.

Taxes on inheriting and on selling

Each canton sets its own inheritance tax. Spouses pay none, and children pay none in most cantons. On inheritance the property gains tax is deferred. When you sell later, the tax office usually uses the purchase price and holding period of the deceased.

A price everyone trusts

A price that can be traced calms the group. Comparable offers in the region or a valuation by a specialist give everyone the same basis. Choose one person to talk to buyers for the heirs.

How Kantello helps

Kantello collects every enquiry in one place, so all heirs see the same status. The fixed price does not depend on the sale price, which makes the costs predictable for everyone.

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Common questions

What happens if one heir does not want to sell?

The community of heirs decides unanimously. If one person blocks, any heir can ask the court for the division. The court can order a sale or an auction. An amicable agreement is almost always faster and cheaper.

Can one heir take over the house and pay out the others?

Yes, if everyone agrees. The heir who takes it over pays the others their share of the agreed value. The heirs set the value together, often with a valuation.

Do I have to pay inheritance tax on an inherited house?

That depends on the canton and on the relationship. Spouses are exempt everywhere, direct descendants in most cantons. What counts is the canton in which the property lies.

Guides

Other situations

General information, not legal or tax advice. For your own case, ask the tax office, the notary or a specialist.