An inherited apartment is often not needed by the new owner: no one plans to live there, it requires renovation, or the heir simply prefers to receive money from the sale.
Such an apartment can be sold, but inheritance rights must be formalized first.
First, the inheritance must be formalized
In Estonia, inheritance opens at the moment of the testator’s death, but the heirs and their rights are established during inheritance proceedings with a notary. At the end of the process, the notary issues a certificate of inheritance (pärimistunnistus), confirming the heir’s right.
If there are several heirs, the property belongs to them jointly until it is divided. Therefore, the sale and purchase agreement for an apartment included in the estate must be concluded by all heirs together.
Do you need to renovate before selling?
Not necessarily.
Inherited apartments often have older finishing, furniture and a need for renovation. But before investing money, it is worth assessing the apartment in its current condition first.
Sometimes it is more beneficial to sell the apartment as it is, without spending time and money on renovation, cleaning and preparing the property.
Regular sale or urgent buyout?
If time is not limited, the apartment can be listed on the open market. But if the owner needs to complete the transaction quickly, the apartment requires renovation, or there is no wish to deal with preparation and numerous viewings, an urgent apartment buyout can be considered.
Vendor can act as the buyer and purchase the inherited apartment in its current condition.
Article author
Leads the urgent property buyout direction and helps owners quickly receive a clear offer for their apartment.
