Services
Property Purchase & Sale Property Taxes Real Estate Due Diligence Earnest Money (Arras) Review Real Estate Inheritance Rental Agreements Seasonal Rentals Commercial Lease Mortgage Broker Best Mortgages 2026
Guides Areas About Us Contact
ESEN
Urgent Consultation
Inheritance

Gifting a Home in Life: Donation vs. Inheritance

Should you gift the home to your children now or leave it in inheritance? We compare both options and their taxation in Catalonia.

Inheritance · Updated January 2026 · 6 min read

Transferring a home to your children can be done in life (donation) or on death (inheritance). Each option has different advantages and costs.

The donation

  • The recipient pays Gift Tax (in Catalonia, with reductions for close relatives).
  • The donor may be taxed in their income tax on the capital gain (unlike an inheritance, which is exempt from income tax).
  • The municipal capital gains tax is also paid.

The inheritance

The Inheritance Tax is paid (with the Catalan reliefs) and the capital gains tax, but there is no capital gain in the deceased's income tax.

Which is better?

It depends on the value, age, relationship and family situation. Between parents and children in Catalonia the inheritance is often cheaper thanks to the income-tax exemption; but a donation provides certainty and control in life. We plan it case by case.

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions


Often the inheritance is cheaper between parents and children thanks to the deceased's income-tax exemption and the Inheritance Tax reliefs, but it depends on the case. We calculate it before deciding.

Yes, the donor may be taxed in their income tax on the capital gain generated, which does not happen in an inheritance. It is a key factor when comparing.

Donation or inheritance? We help you decide

We analyse your case and plan the most advantageous option, both fiscally and legally.