
Selling inherited property – checking the documents
Good to know: If one member of the community decides to take over the shares of the others and then sell the property alone, no income tax needs to be paid on this since a ruling by the Federal Fiscal Court. But regardless of whether the sale is made alone or jointly, all important documents for the sale of an inherited property must first be available.
You can't do without it – the certificate of inheritance
Only when you have the certificate of inheritance in your hands can you begin with your sales plans. To apply for this at the probate court, you will need your identity card, the will (if available), and a certified copy of the deceased's death certificate.
What documents relating to the property must be available?
A floor plan of the property is essential. If one is not available, you will need to have a new one drawn up, as this will be required for the property listing at the latest. However, first search through old files to see if the floor plan is available.
Another important document for the property listing is the energy performance certificate, which is required by law. If the existing certificate has expired or is missing, you should hire an energy consultant to draw up a new one, which will then be valid for another ten years.
The cadastral map shows the surroundings of the inherited property. This map can be requested by telephone, digitally, or in person from the relevant land registry office.
If an unforeseen event such as lightning strike or flooding occurs before the notary appointment, it is advisable to be able to provide proof of home insurance. This insurance is also important for potential buyers: without this proof, the bank is likely to reject a loan application.
Selling an inherited property is time-consuming
The sale of an inherited property should be carried out quickly, as all ongoing costs must continue to be covered. Obtaining all the necessary documents can be time-consuming, especially if you are inexperienced. A real estate agent can not only be a valuable partner in the sale, but also takes care of all the preparations and obtains any missing documents for you. This makes dealing with the inheritance and its sale much less complicated.
Have you inherited a property and want to sell it as quickly as possible? Contact us! We will be happy to advise you.
Note
For reasons of readability, the generic masculine form is used in this text. Female and other gender identities are expressly included insofar as this is necessary for the statement.
Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your specific case.
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