A new stage of life

Selling when life changes

The children have moved out, a marriage ends, a new job calls. A sale is then rarely just a number. With a clear plan, it stays manageable.

Settle the next place first

Once you know where you are moving, plan the sale backwards from that date. If you buy and sell at the same time, talk to your bank early about bridging finance.

Decide together after a separation

The land register shows who owns the house. Whether one partner takes it over or you sell is set out in the separation or divorce agreement. If one spouse transfers their share to the other, the property gains tax is usually deferred.

Money from the pension fund

If you withdrew pension fund money for your home, you usually pay it back when you sell. If the amount goes into a new home you live in within two years, it can wait in a vested benefits account until then.

Living smaller in retirement

Many people sell the house after retirement and move into a flat. Work out the proceeds, taxes and future housing costs first. If you buy again, the bank checks affordability against your pension.

How Kantello helps

You enter your property in three steps and set the pace yourself. Kantello keeps the listing and enquiries in order; you decide.

List a property Pricing Free valuation

Three steps, free. We get back to you in person.

Common questions

What happens to the shared house in a divorce?

The spouses agree whether one takes over the house and pays the other out, or whether they sell. If they cannot agree, the court decides in the divorce proceedings. Whoever signed the mortgage agreement remains liable until the bank replaces or amends it.

Do I have to repay my pension fund withdrawal when I sell?

Usually yes. The withdrawal is noted in the land register, and on a sale you pay it back to the pension fund. If you buy a new home you live in within two years, you can use the amount for it.

Is it worth selling and renting after retirement?

That depends on the proceeds, taxes, rent and your plans. Compare both paths over ten to twenty years. Renting frees up capital; owning protects you from rent increases.

Guides

Other situations

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