Guide

Selling an inherited property

Anyone who inherits a property first needs proof of the right of inheritance. After that, the sale can be organised in a few steps, even if the heirs live far away.

Proof of inheritance and land register

The land registry requires a certificate of inheritance or a notarial will or contract of inheritance together with the opening record of the probate court (Section 35 of the Land Registry Act). A European Certificate of Succession is also recognised.

If the heirs apply for correction of the land register within two years of the inheritance, the entry is free of charge.

Multiple heirs

A community of heirs can only sell the property jointly: all co-heirs must agree and sign the purchase contract or grant a power of attorney. If no agreement is reached, any co-heir can apply for a partition auction. This usually yields less than a sale on the open market.

Taxes

Tax-free allowances apply for inheritance tax, including 500,000 euros for spouses and 400,000 euros for each child. For the sale profit, the deceased's period of ownership also counts: if they had bought the property more than ten years before, the sale is exempt from income tax (§ 23 EStG).

How the sale process works

• Valuation using comparable prices from the location
• Documents: land register extract, declaration of division, energy performance certificate, and the tenancy agreement if let
• Marketing, viewings and negotiation handled by us
• Notary appointment, with power of attorney for absent heirs if required
• Payment of the purchase price into the heirs' account

General information, as at October 2026. It does not replace advice from a tax adviser, solicitor or notary.