Selling an inherited property in Alicante or Benidorm is one of the most common operations we handle — and one of the most confusing for families, because it mixes probate paperwork, taxes and the sale itself. Here is the whole path, step by step.
Step 1 — Gather the certificates
The death certificate, the certificate of last wills (which says whether there is a will and at which notary) and the life-insurance certificate. With a will, you request an authorised copy; without one, a declaration of heirs is arranged before a notary.
Step 2 — Accept the inheritance before a notary
All heirs sign the deed of acceptance and distribution. Important: the value assigned to the property in this deed becomes your acquisition value for a future sale — declaring a realistic figure can save you significant capital gains tax later.
Step 3 — Settle the inheritance taxes
Inheritance tax: 6 months from the death (extendable by 6 more if requested within the first 5). Good news: the Valencia region applies a 99% relief for spouses, children and parents, so direct-family inheritances usually cost very little.
Municipal plusvalía: also due on inheriting (6-month deadline). Keep the receipt — it is deductible when you sell. See our plusvalía guide.
Step 4 — Register the property
With the inheritance deed and taxes settled, the property is registered in the heirs' names at the Land Registry. Without this step you cannot sell. It usually takes a few weeks.
Step 5 — Sell like any other property
From here the normal rules apply: a realistic valuation, paperwork in order and proper marketing. All heirs must sign (or grant power of attorney to one). At VITALITY we regularly coordinate sales for several siblings living in different cities or countries, signing by proxy where needed.
General guidance, not legal or tax advice. We work with trusted notaries and advisers in Alicante and Benidorm if you need help with the paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell an inherited property before 6 months?
Yes. The 6-month deadline is for paying inheritance tax, not a waiting period. Once the inheritance deed is signed, taxes settled and the property registered in the heirs' names, it can be sold.
How much inheritance tax do children pay in the Valencia region?
Since 2023 the Comunitat Valenciana applies a 99% relief on inheritance tax for spouses, children and parents, so in most direct-family inheritances the tax is almost symbolic. The municipal plusvalía on inheriting is paid separately.
What if one heir refuses to sell?
Selling requires all co-owners to agree. Usual solutions are for some heirs to buy the others' shares (a condominium dissolution, which is cheaper in tax than a sale) or, as a last resort, a court-ordered division.
Which value is used for capital gains tax when I later sell?
Your acquisition value is the one declared in the inheritance deed (limited by the official reference value). If you sell for more, you pay tax on the difference — so declaring a realistic value in the inheritance can save you tax later.
Which documents do I need to start?
Death certificate, certificate of last wills, a copy of the will (or a declaration of heirs if there is none), the property deeds and the IBI bill. With these, a notary can prepare the inheritance acceptance.