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Passing on real estate through inheritance

Passing a property on to your heirs is a complex task that involves several challenges. In addition to valuing the property and dividing it among heirs, tax and legal aspects also play a central role. Conflicts often arise if the inheritance is not clearly regulated or if the heirs have differing expectations.

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Challenges when passing real estate on through inheritance

Valuing the property

A precise valuation of the property is key to finding fair solutions and determining tax burdens.

Compensation of heirs

A property cannot be divided as easily as money. It is important to provide financial compensation for heirs who do not take over the property.

Legal instruments

A will or inheritance contract creates clarity and prevents misunderstandings. Without clear arrangements, statutory inheritance law applies, which does not always reflect the wishes of the deceased.

Communication among all parties involved

Inheriting a property often involves several parties, such as heirs, authorities, and financing banks. Transparent and open communication is key to avoiding conflicts and ensuring a smooth process.

How to proceed

1

Taking stock and valuing the property

  • We help you assess the current market value of your property professionally.

  • A clear valuation facilitates a fair distribution among heirs and serves as a basis for tax calculations.

2

Legal and financial planning

  • Drafting an inheritance contract or will:

    • We advise you on drafting a will or inheritance contract to ensure your wishes are legally binding.
    • Clarification of whether the property should be inherited as sole ownership, joint ownership, or collective ownership.
  • Reviewing tax aspects:

    • In Switzerland, inheritance and gift taxes can vary significantly depending on the canton.
    • smzh helps you optimize your tax burden and minimize potential risks.
3

Gaining clarity over the estate

  • Support in communicating with all heirs to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

  • Identifying solutions for fair distribution, for example:

    • One heir takes over the property and compensates the other heirs financially.
    • The property is sold and the proceeds are divided.
4

Ensuring liquidity

  • Inheriting a property can pose financial burdens for the heirs (e.g., taxes, maintenance, mortgages).

  • smzh supports you in developing a financing strategy or mortgage planning to make the property affordable.

5

Transfer of ownership and implementation

  • We guide you through the entire process of transferring ownership, including all legal and tax formalities.

  • Advice on necessary adjustments of the land register and existing mortgages.

Video & fact sheet on "Real estate & inheritance"

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What happens to a property in the event of inheritance?

A home is more than just a possession – it is a place full of memories. But what happens to the property in the event of inheritance? This video explains your options – from gifting and early inheritance to selling – and highlights what you should consider to avoid family conflicts and optimize your tax situation.

(in German)

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Inheritance advisory service

Those who wish to pass on their assets need more than just good intentions – they require careful planning. Our inheritance advisory service helps you structure your estate early, securely, and in line with your personal and family wishes.

(in German)

Challenges in passing real estate on to heirs

Conflicts among heirs

smzh supports you in mediation and moderation to find fair and consensual solutions.

Tax implications

We support you in making tax optimizations and avoiding unnecessary costs.

Viability

We develop strategies to help you avoid financial tight spots, e.g., by renegotiating mortgages or exploring sale options.

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smzh for you

Your advantages with smzh in property inheritance:

  • Personalized advice: We analyze your situation and develop tailored solutions for a legally secure and fair inheritance.
  • Legal security: Our experts assist you in drawing up wills or inheritance contracts and clarifying ownership structures.
  • Tax optimization: We help you minimize tax burdens and ease the financial load on your heirs.
  • Clarification of the inheritance situation: We support you in the fair distribution of the property and help resolve conflicts.
  • Financial solutions: Together, we develop strategies to make the property financially manageable for the heirs.

We handle questions such as those shown on the right on a daily basis. You don't need to deal with them by yourself – our 360° Check-Up is free of charge and non-binding.

Contact us

Drawing up a will or inheritance contract helps to set clear guidelines for inheritance. smzh supports you with legal and financial planning.

Inheritance and gift tax vary by canton. We advise you on how you can minimize any tax burden.

smzh provides support in terms of mediation and helps find consensual solutions, e.g., through a sale or financial compensation.

Yes, an existing mortgage can be transferred provided the lender bank agrees to such a transfer. We help you negotiate the best terms.

smzh provides comprehensive support in planning and implementing real estate inheritance and provides legal certainty, tax optimization, and fair solutions.