07.10.2026
You inherit a property in Switzerland: what are your options?
1. The estate is opened upon death
In Switzerland, an estate is automatically opened at the time of death. The heirs then inherit the deceased’s assets, including any real estate, as well as any outstanding debts.
Before deciding about the property, it is therefore important to have an overall view of the estate and its financial situation.
2. Who inherits the property?
In the absence of a will or inheritance agreement, the law determines the heirs. The spouse or registered partner and the children are among the main statutory heirs. Cohabiting partners, however, are not statutory heirs unless a provision has been made in their favour.
Identifying the heirs makes it possible to determine who has rights over the property and who must take part in decisions concerning its future.
3. Should you accept or refuse the inheritance?
Inheriting a property also means assuming the deceased’s debts, where applicable.
Before accepting the inheritance, it is therefore important to understand its financial situation. In case of doubt, several mechanisms are available, including acceptance under public inventory or renunciation of the inheritance.
In the canton of Vaud, renunciation must generally take place within three months of the death or of becoming aware of one’s status as an heir.
In case of uncertainty, it is advisable to seek information from a professional as soon as possible.
4. Several heirs: who becomes the owner?
When several people inherit, they form a community of heirs. The property then belongs to the estate, and the heirs hold it jointly until the estate is divided.
Important decisions concerning the property must therefore be coordinated among the heirs. Several options may be considered: keeping the property jointly, renting it out, allowing one of the heirs to take it over, or selling the property and dividing the proceeds of the sale.
5. What taxes must be paid?
Inheritance taxation depends on the canton and the degree of kinship.
In the canton of Vaud, spouses and registered partners are exempt from inheritance tax. For direct descendants, the rules have been relaxed since 1 January 2025: a deduction of CHF 1 million is granted on the net share allocated to each family branch, subject to certain conditions. A family branch means the line of descendants from one of the deceased’s children. For example, if a person leaves two children, there are two family branches.
More distant heirs may, however, be subject to inheritance tax depending on their degree of kinship and the value of their share of the estate.
Any tax consequences related to the property must also be considered, particularly in the event of a sale.
6. Can the property be sold?
Yes, but certain steps must be completed before the sale can be organised.
When several heirs are involved, they must agree on the sale. Each person’s rights must also be clarified and the necessary formalities completed, including obtaining the certificate of inheritance and, depending on the situation, settling the division of the estate.
Once the inheritance situation has been clarified and the heirs have reached an agreement, the property can be put up for sale.
Beforehand, a valuation makes it possible to determine its value and provides an objective basis for discussions among the heirs.
7. Keep, rent or sell: which option should you choose?
Once the inheritance matters have been settled, several options are possible.
Keep it
This may make sense if the property is intended to be occupied by a relative or if it represents an important family asset. However, the costs, renovation work, maintenance and any necessary financing must be considered.
Rent it out
Renting makes it possible to retain the asset while generating income. However, costs, renovation work, taxation and management fees must be considered to assess the actual return achieved.
Sell it
A sale may be considered when the heirs wish to obtain liquidity, bring a situation of joint inheritance ownership to an end, or when the property requires substantial renovation work.
In all three cases, knowing the value of the property is a useful first step in comparing the different options.
A direct sale solution
If the heirs choose to sell the property, a traditional sale is not the only option. Depending on the situation, a direct sale can simplify and speed up certain steps and avoid renovation work or the organisation of numerous viewings.
Swifthome offers a direct property purchase solution in French-speaking Switzerland. After analysing the property, a purchase offer may be made free of charge and with no obligation.
This solution may be considered when the heirs wish to sell their property within a controlled timeframe, without having to carry out renovation work or organise the marketing of the home themselves.
Obtaining an offer also provides a point of comparison with a traditional sale and helps the heirs choose the option that best suits their situation.
We are available to value your property and provide you with an offer quickly and with no obligation.
