Inheriting a property can be an opportunity, but it also entails a series of administrative procedures that must be completed before it can be sold. If the house or apartment is located in Roses, Empuriabrava, or anywhere else on the Costa Brava, it is important to understand the steps required to properly manage the inheritance and prepare the property for sale.
At Procasa—a real estate agency in Roses and Empuriabrava—we assist owners looking to sell an inherited property by providing guidance throughout the marketing and sales process.
1. Reviewing inheritance documentation
The first step is to verify who the heirs are and what rights they hold regarding the property.
To do this, you will generally need the death certificate, the certificate of last will and testament, and the will itself. If there is no will, it may be necessary to obtain a formal declaration of heirs.
It is also advisable to check whether the property is subject to any mortgages, liens, or other encumbrances that could affect its sale.
2. Accepting the inheritance and completing tax formalities
Before finalizing the sale of a property, the heirs must formalize their status as legal owners.
This involves documenting the acceptance and allocation of the inheritance, fulfilling the relevant tax obligations, and preparing the registration of ownership with the Land Registry.
In Catalonia, the inheritance tax must generally be declared within six months of the date of death, although it is possible to request an extension within that timeframe.
Additionally, a municipal capital gains tax (*plusvalía municipal*) may apply, depending on the characteristics of the property and the nature of the transfer.
3. What happens if a property has multiple heirs?
It is common for a property to become the joint property of several siblings or family members.
In such cases, selling the entire property typically requires the agreement of all the owners.
If one of the heirs does not wish to sell, it is advisable to explore available alternatives—such as having another co-owner purchase that heir’s share—or to look into legal mechanisms for resolving the co-ownership situation.
Before putting the property on the market, we recommend clarifying these matters to avoid complications during the transaction.
4. Accurately valuing an inherited property
Once ownership has been formalized, the next step is to determine the property’s market value.
The price will depend on factors such as location, surface area, condition, the property’s specific features, and current market demand.
In areas like Roses, Santa Margarida, or Empuriabrava, other influential factors may include proximity to the sea, views, the presence of a terrace or garden, and the availability of parking.
At Procasa, we have in-depth knowledge of the real estate market in Alt Empordà and can help you set realistic sale prices based on the specific characteristics of each property.