Estate valuation.
The figure that has to satisfy the notaire, the co-heirs and the tax authorities at once.
Why the value matters twice.
A French inheritance filing states the value of each property at the date of death, and a lifetime gift states it at the date of the gift. That figure sets the tax due, and it also sets the base against which any later capital gain is measured. Understating it saves tax now and costs more on a future sale; overstating it does the reverse.
The value is also the basis on which an estate is divided between heirs, which is where most disputes begin.
One dated value, reasoned in writing.
The property is inspected and valued at the relevant date, on comparable evidence, with the condition, tenure and legal situation set out. Where the estate includes several assets, each is valued separately and the report consolidates them.
Where an heir occupies the property, where a life interest has been reserved, or where the asset is jointly held, the report quantifies the effect and explains the basis for it rather than applying a customary percentage.
Inheritance filings
Values at the date of death, for the notaire and the tax return.
Lifetime gifts
Values at the date of the gift, including where a life interest is reserved.
Division of an estate
A common basis for heirs who need one, or a report for the one who disputes it.
Reassessments
Support where the authorities challenge a declared value.
A shared valuer, or one for each side.
Heirs who agree on a single valuer usually settle faster and cheaper. Where they do not, each side may instruct its own, and the reports are exchanged. The firm works in both configurations, and its valuers are listed with the courts of appeal where the matter goes further.
An estate to value?
Describe the property, the date and the situation of the heirs.
Request a valuation