An inheritance often comes unexpectedly and, alongside grief, brings many questions. These steps help bring order:
Clarify the certificate of inheritance or will. For the land register you usually need a certificate of inheritance or a notarised will with the record of its opening. Within two years of the death, the transfer of ownership in the register is usually free of charge.
Talk to all co-heirs. In a community of heirs, everyone decides together: keep, let or sell.
Determine a neutral value. A valuation by a certified expert is the fair basis for everyone involved, including for pay-outs.
Keep an eye on running costs. Property tax, insurance and maintenance continue.
For questions of inheritance law and tax, a notary, lawyer or tax adviser is the right contact. I take care of the valuation and the sale.
Separation – and what happens to the house?
The shared home is often the most difficult issue in a separation. Objectivity helps both sides:
A neutral market value takes the conflict out of the discussion, because both sides start from the same figure.
Sell or buy out? Both options have advantages and disadvantages. I will calculate both for you.
Discreet and without pressure: if you wish, I can market the property without a public listing to pre-registered prospective buyers.
Your lawyer will clarify legal questions on maintenance and equalisation of gains. I ensure a fair valuation and an orderly sale.
Do you have to pay tax when you sell?
For private property, the so-called ten-year holding period applies. As a rule, the profit from the sale is tax-free if
more than 10 years have passed between purchase and sale (in each case the date of the notarial contract), or
you have lived in it yourself in the year of sale and the two preceding years.
If neither applies, the profit may be taxable. In that case, it is worth planning the timing of the sale carefully.
This is not tax advice. Please have your case reviewed by a tax adviser.
Solar PV when selling: plus or minus?
A solar installation can increase the value of your house if buyers understand what they are getting. Buyers pay attention to:
Age and condition of the modules and the inverter
Contracts: feed-in tariff, grid operator, maintenance, possibly a battery storage system
Evidence: commissioning report and yield data
Since 1 January 2026, solar PV has been mandatory in NRW when the roof covering is completely renewed (with exceptions). This also matters to buyers. As a certified expert for solar PV systems, I inspect your system and document it clearly. With the Solar PV & energy check you find out in advance where your house stands. More under Valuation reports.
Which documents do you need?
Land register extract, energy performance certificate, floor plans, living space calculation and more. You can find all documents on one page in my free House sale checklist (PDF).