Selling the bare ownership lets you get liquidity without leaving the home. We explain how it works and what to watch.
Inheritance · Updated October 2026 · 5 min read
The ownership of a home can be split into two rights: the bare ownership (being the owner) and the usufruct (using and enjoying it). They are often separated in inheritances and in bare-ownership sales.
An older owner can sell the bare ownership and keep the lifetime usufruct: they get liquidity and keep living in the house. The buyer acquires full ownership when the usufructuary dies.
The value of the usufruct depends on the usufructuary's age (the older they are, the lower the usufruct value). This affects the price and the taxes (Transfer Tax or inheritance tax). It should be calculated carefully.
It means selling the ownership while keeping the right to use and live in the house (usufruct). The buyer obtains full ownership when the usufructuary dies.
It depends on the usufructuary's age: the older they are, the lower the usufruct value and the higher the bare-ownership value. It is key for the price and taxes.
The usufructuary uses and enjoys the property, can live in it or rent it out; the bare owner owns it but without use until the usufruct ends, usually on the usufructuary's death.
It can be an investment: you buy below the full value and, when the usufruct ends, you consolidate full ownership without paying more. Weigh the usufructuary's age and the risks.
As a rule, the usufructuary bears ordinary costs and utilities, and the bare owner the extraordinary repairs. It should be agreed clearly.
We review the deal, the valuation of the usufruct and its taxation so it is safe.
