INHERITANCES: Why selling quickly is the best strategy
When a loved one passes away, managing an inheritance can feel complex, especially when real estate is involved. Many heirs believe they must wait until the inheritance tax declaration has been filed before putting the property up for sale. This is a common misconception that can end up costing them a significant amount of money.
At Génération Immo, a real estate specialist in Walloon Brabant, we regularly assist with inheritance property sales in municipalities such as Chaumont-Gistoux, Wavre, Ottignies, Walhain, Perwez, Grez-Doiceau and Mont-Saint-Guibert. Our advice? Put the property on the market as early as possible, as soon as the heirs are certain there are no other beneficiaries. Here is why this approach is essential.
1. A More Accurate Property Value Declaration
The inheritance tax declaration requires heirs to state the value of the inherited property. But how should this value be determined?
Declaring an estimated value:
If the value is declared too low, the tax authorities may reassess it and impose penalties for undervaluation. If it is declared too high, heirs will pay inheritance taxes on an excessive amount… and they will not be able to recover the difference if the property is eventually sold for less.
Relying on an active sale process:
If the property is already on the market, buyer feedback helps adjust the declared value as closely as possible to the real market value. If an offer is accepted before the declaration is filed, the agreed sale price can be directly declared, avoiding any risk of error or tax disputes.
2. Prior Expert Valuation: A Double-Edged Sword
Heirs may request a prior valuation from an expert approved by the tax administration. This solution fixes the value of the property, meaning it can no longer be challenged by the tax authorities, even if the property is later sold for a higher price.
👉 The downside: if the property is sold below this estimated value, the heirs will have paid too much inheritance tax and will not be able to recover the difference.
3. Selling Quickly Before the Declaration Deadline: A Strategic Approach
Putting the property up for sale before filing the inheritance declaration allows heirs to:
✅ Avoid uncertainty regarding the value to declare thanks to real market feedback.
✅ Reduce tax risks by declaring a value supported by genuine offers.
✅ Simplify the inheritance process by saving time and speeding up the transfer of the property.
Get an Initial Online Property Valuation
To get a first idea of your property’s value, you can request an online valuation by clicking this link. This will help guide your understanding of the current market price. However, it remains essential for a real estate agent to visit the property in person to confirm the estimate, analyze the property’s specific characteristics and ensure that no incorrect interpretation of the data affects the result.
Expert Real Estate Support in Walloon Brabant
Selling an inherited property can be both emotionally and administratively challenging. That is why we offer tailor-made support throughout Walloon Brabant, particularly in Chaumont-Gistoux, Wavre, Ottignies, Walhain, Perwez, Grez-Doiceau and Mont-Saint-Guibert. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the local market, we guide you through every step to ensure a sale at the right price and under the best possible conditions.
Our goal is simple: to provide you with a smooth and stress-free transition by taking care of the administrative procedures, the sales process and the negotiations.
Conclusion: Anticipate to Sell More Efficiently
Waiting until the inheritance declaration has been filed before selling a property is a common mistake that can have significant financial consequences. Génération Immo supports you in putting your property on the market quickly and with peace of mind, while ensuring that the inheritance process is handled in the most efficient way possible.
If you are dealing with an inheritance and would like professional advice, contact us today!
