Inherited a property – what now?
When someone dies, there is a great deal to take care of. The inherited property is often the biggest and most emotional question. We take work off your hands and create a fair, transparent basis – for all the heirs.
Keep, take over or sell?
There is no obligation to decide straight away. But it is worth examining the options early and with reliable figures.
Keep it jointly
The community of heirs keeps the property, for example to rent it out. This requires clear rules on maintenance, costs and decisions – and lasting agreement.
Takeover by one heir
One heir takes over the property and buys out the others. The key is a fair, transparent value as the basis.
Sell
The proceeds are shared out as part of the division of the estate. A well-managed sale brings clarity and relieves the family of ongoing costs and obligations.
What communities of heirs should bear in mind.
Decisions generally need everyone’s consent
Until the estate is divided, the property belongs to all the heirs jointly. Decisions on selling, renting out or major expenditure generally require everyone’s consent (Art. 602 Swiss Civil Code). At the request of any heir, the competent authority can appoint a representative for the community of heirs. If an executor has been appointed, we coordinate with them.
Certificate of inheritance
The land registry and banks require a certificate of inheritance. In the canton of Fribourg, it is issued by the Justice of the Peace (Justice de paix), which also opens wills.
Taxes
In the canton of Fribourg, spouses, registered partners and direct-line relatives pay no inheritance tax. Property gains tax is deferred when a property is inherited; it only becomes due if the property is later sold at a profit. Together with your tax adviser, we can work out how much it would then amount to.
Energy certificate
If the property is sold, a cantonal building energy certificate (CECB/GEAK) is mandatory in the canton of Fribourg. We arrange one if needed.
This is general information and does not replace legal or tax advice. We are happy to work with your notary, executor or tax adviser.
Neutral, patient and easy for everyone to follow.
We keep all heirs equally informed – in German, French or English, in person or by video call.
Checklist: the first 90 daysInitial meeting
Together or individually, in person or by video – including for heirs living abroad.
Valuation
A transparent value as a fair basis for dividing the estate. We can arrange a formal appraisal on request.
Options & decision
Takeover or sale – we work through the figures for each option with the notary and tax adviser.
Clearance & preparation
On request, we put you in touch with reliable partners for house clearance, cleaning and minor repairs.
Sale
Discreet or public – with all heirs kept informed at every stage.
Completion
Notarisation of the sale deed and handover; the proceeds are distributed via the notary or the executor.
Heirs living abroad?
With a power of attorney, we can take care of many steps for you. We organise viewings, documents and coordination with the notary so that you only need to travel when it is genuinely necessary.
What is your property worth today?
A personal estimate by a professional – free of charge, confidential and without obligation.