Inheriting a home and wanting to sell it: what you need, in what order, and how to sell it well — explained clearly.
In short
To sell an inherited home in Sanremo you need the declaration of succession filed (and the cadastral transfer) and the acceptance of the inheritance. If there is more than one heir, the consent of all is required (or a division). Selling an inherited property, as a rule, does not generate the taxable capital gain that applies to purchased properties. Timing depends on the succession and the documents. This article is informational: the notary and the accountant are authoritative.
1. Before selling: succession and acceptance of the inheritance
The first step is not the sale but the declaration of succession, to be filed with the Italian Revenue Agency as a rule within 12 months of the death; it also updates the cadastral ownership (voltura). Then comes the acceptance of the inheritance: it can be express or tacit, and selling the property is itself an act of tacit acceptance. Without the succession filed and acceptance, the notary cannot proceed to the deed.
2. If there is more than one heir
When the property is inherited by several people it becomes a co-ownership: to sell, the consent of all heirs is required. There are three routes: sell together and split the proceeds; carry out the division of the estate; or one heir buys out the others and becomes sole owner. When there is tension or distance between heirs, having a neutral third party leading the sale helps depersonalise decisions and keep the process orderly.
3. The documents you need
Besides the declaration of succession and acceptance (the title of provenance), you need: cadastral survey and floor plan matching the actual state, the EPC (energy performance certificate), a check of cadastral and planning compliance and, for apartments, the condominium documents. The full list is in the documents checklist. In inherited homes the floor plans are often out of date: better to check straight away, with a surveyor.
4. Taxes and capital gains: what to know
This is the question that worries people most, and the answer usually reassures: selling a property received through inheritance does not, as a rule, generate the taxable capital gain that applies to purchased properties (the so-called five-year rule concerns purchases, not inheritances). There remains the inheritance tax, which however provides large allowances for the spouse and direct-line relatives. As this is a tax matter with many specific cases, the final word belongs to the accountant and the notary; the general picture is in the article on capital gains and taxes.
5. Selling an inherited home well
Inherited homes are often dated, furnished "the old way" or full of memories: precisely for this reason presentation makes an enormous difference. A valuation based on real sale prices, home staging to free up and enhance the spaces, and an open house that concentrates buyers are what turns an "old" property into a fast sale at the right price. It also helps emotionally: seeing the home well prepared makes letting go easier.
6. And if you live far from Sanremo?
Many heirs don’t live in Sanremo. That’s not a problem: we handle the sale remotely too, with a single point of contact who coordinates surveyors, documents, viewings and negotiation, keeping you updated step by step. Many of our mandates begin exactly this way — a home inherited by someone who lives elsewhere.
FAQ
Can I sell an inherited home before the succession?
No. First the declaration of succession must be filed and the cadastral transfer done; moreover, selling constitutes tacit acceptance of the inheritance. Without these steps the notary cannot proceed to the deed.
If we are several heirs, how is the home sold?
The consent of all co-owners is required. Alternatively, you can carry out the division of the estate, or one heir buys out the others and sells as sole owner.
Do you pay capital gains when selling an inherited home?
As a rule no: the capital-gains taxation that applies to purchased properties (the five-year rule) does not apply in the same way to inherited properties. To be verified with the accountant for your case.
What documents are needed to sell an inherited home?
Declaration of succession and acceptance of the inheritance, compliant cadastral survey and floor plan, EPC, a check of cadastral and planning compliance and, for apartments, the condominium documents.
How long does it take to sell an inherited home in Sanremo?
It depends on the timing of the succession and the completeness of the documents. Once ready, with the right price and good presentation the sale generally takes a few weeks.
Can I sell an inherited home in Sanremo if I live far away?
Yes. The sale can be handled remotely, with a single point of contact who coordinates documents, surveyors, viewings and negotiation and keeps you updated.
General informational article. Succession, tax aspects and those involving multiple heirs depend on the specific case: the notary, the accountant and, where needed, a lawyer are authoritative.
Part of the complete guide to selling a home in Sanremo.
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