Selling later in life
Selling later in life: moving to something smaller, well planned
The children have moved out, the stairs feel steeper, the garden is more work than pleasure. Many owners over 60 wonder whether to sell and live somewhere smaller. Here is what matters, and how we support you.
Find the new home first, then sell?
Most owners want to know where they will move before they sell their house or large apartment. That is understandable and can be planned. What matters is an honest valuation at the start: with a realistic figure, you know what you can spend on the new home, whether you rent or buy.
A later handover date can be agreed in the purchase contract, for example three or six months after the notary appointment. That leaves time for the move, and you do not have to move twice.
Moving: calmly and with help
After thirty or forty years in a house, clearing it out is often the hardest part. Start early, one room at a time. It helps to measure up beforehand what should go into the new home.
On request we can name removal companies and house clearance services in Hamburg and coordinate dates with the sale. Whom you hire is your decision.
Selling and staying: right of residence
Some owners want to sell but stay in their home. This is possible with a right of residence (Wohnrecht) entered in the land register. You continue to live in the property, the buyer becomes the owner.
A right of residence lowers the price buyers pay, and fewer buyers are interested because they can only use the property themselves later. The size of the discount depends mainly on your age and the value of the property. Have it calculated carefully before you sell.
Usufruct: live there or let it
Usufruct (Nießbrauch) goes further than a right of residence: you may use the property yourself or let it and keep the rental income. It is often chosen when a property is passed on to children during the owner's lifetime.
Whether a right of residence, usufruct, a gift or a conventional sale is the better route for you depends on your family and tax situation. A notary and a tax adviser are the right people to clarify this. We tell you what the property is worth on the market in each case.
A timetable that works
About six to twelve months before the planned move: a valuation on site and a first conversation about your plans. Then gather the documents, most of which we obtain for you.
Three to six months before: photos, brochure and marketing, discreetly without portals if you wish. We bundle viewings so you do not have visitors every week.
We accompany you to the notary. You set the handover date so that it fits your move.
Who decides with you
Children or other relatives often want to join the conversations. That suits us: we take our time, explain every step and send you everything important in writing as well. You decide who is informed and when.
This text does not replace legal or tax advice. For a right of residence, usufruct, gifts or inheritance, please also speak to a notary or tax adviser.
Valuation
Just want to know what your property is worth for now?
We come to you, take our time and tell you honestly what we expect. Then you decide calmly whether and when to sell.
Daily, 9 am to 10 pm. Outside these hours we reply by 10 am the next day.