We use cookies to make its website more user-friendly, secure and effective. Cookies collect information about the use of websites. Further information: Information on data protection
You’ve inherited a house. What's next?
Inhabiting the property yourself.
When you inherit a property in Switzerland and inhabit it yourself, you don’t need to pay any property gains tax. You will need to pay tax on the imputed rental value, though, while maintenance costs and mortgage interest are tax-deductible.
Buying out siblings.
If you have inherited a property as part of a community of heirs comprising multiple siblings and would like to buy out your siblings, this is treated as a division of the estate. The property must first be properly transferred to you in the land register. Payment is generally made based on an independent expert’s estimation of the market value. Important: Inheritance tax or property gains tax may be charged depending on the canton. It is recommended to seek expert advice at an early stage.
Renting out the property.
If you rent out an inherited property in Switzerland, you need to pay tax on the rental income as income. At the same time, you can deduct maintenance costs, mortgage interest and, depending on the canton, depreciation from your taxable income. Registering the arrangements with the cantonal authorities and a legally valid tenancy agreement are also important. Commissioning a professional management company can be beneficial, especially if there are multiple heirs or if they live far away.
Selling the property.
If you want to sell an inherited property in Switzerland, you must first be entered as the owner in the land register. Property gains tax will be incurred upon the sale of the property. In this case, it is levied on the basis of the original purchase price paid by the testator. Investments made to increase value during the period for which the property is owned and ancillary costs relating to the sale such as estate agent and notary fees are tax-deductible.
What others wanted to know.
Our property experts give an insight into a selection of the most frequently asked questions. You can submit your own question too. We will be happy to help you.
Manuela K. (36), Interlaken
We have inherited a house as a community of heirs. What costs will be incurred?
Both one-off and ongoing costs can be incurred. Land register and notary fees for the transfer of ownership are one-off costs, as is any inheritance tax. Both levies are regulated by the cantons and can differ drastically. The major ongoing costs include the mortgage interest, if the property is encumbered by a mortgage, maintenance and ancillary costs and income and property taxes. If the house is sold, property gains tax will also be incurred.
Simon H. (41), Brugg
I’ve inherited my parents’ home. What are the next steps?
The first step is to accept the inheritance and register yourself as the owner in land register. Do you want to live in the property yourself or rent it out? In that case, you’ll need to clarify the financing aspect, that is, whether you’ll be taking on ongoing mortgage payments, and find information on the ongoing costs and insurance policies. Depending on the canton and the family relationship, you may also be liable to pay inheritance tax. If you want to sell the property, you should instruct an expert to value it and do your research into property gains tax.
Manuela K. (36), Interlaken
We have inherited a house as a community of heirs. What costs will be incurred?
Both one-off and ongoing costs can be incurred. Land register and notary fees for the transfer of ownership are one-off costs, as is any inheritance tax. Both levies are regulated by the cantons and can differ drastically. The major ongoing costs include the mortgage interest, if the property is encumbered by a mortgage, maintenance and ancillary costs and income and property taxes. If the house is sold, property gains tax will also be incurred.
Simon H. (41), Brugg
I’ve inherited my parents’ home. What are the next steps?
The first step is to accept the inheritance and register yourself as the owner in land register. Do you want to live in the property yourself or rent it out? In that case, you’ll need to clarify the financing aspect, that is, whether you’ll be taking on ongoing mortgage payments, and find information on the ongoing costs and insurance policies. Depending on the canton and the family relationship, you may also be liable to pay inheritance tax. If you want to sell the property, you should instruct an expert to value it and do your research into property gains tax.
