Inheriting real estate often raises a multitude of practical questions. What should be done with that family home, that old apartment, or that character property inherited jointly? Should it be sold quickly, renovated, lived in, rented out… or kept as an asset? Each option requires careful consideration, expertise, and foresight.
Marseille, the Phocaean city, continues to attract an international clientele in search of luxury real estate investments.
The real estate agency Christophe Falbo Properties, based in Marseille and specializing in high-end properties, offers an exclusive selection of properties in sought-after areas such as the Old Port, the Calanques, as well as the bohemian districts of the 6th and 7th arrondissements.
Our property portfolio extends from Saintes Maries de la Mer to Cavalaire-sur-Mer, offering charming houses, architect-designed villas and vineyard estates overlooking the magnificent Mediterranean bay.
Managing an inherited property: restore, rent, sell or keep?
Inheriting real estate often raises a multitude of practical questions. What should be done with that family home, that old apartment, or that character property inherited jointly? Should it be sold quickly, renovated, lived in, rented out… or kept as an asset? Each option requires careful consideration, expertise, and foresight.
Conducting a complete assessment: the condition of the inherited property
Before making any decisions, it is essential to carry out a complete technical assessment of the inherited property. This includes:
The general condition of the building (roof, insulation, structure)
Electrical, plumbing and heating installations
Compliance with standards (mandatory diagnostics: asbestos, lead, energy performance certificate, etc.)
Any potential urban planning or heritage protection constraints (listed area, proximity to monuments)
This assessment will allow you to identify the urgent needs, the potential, but also the limitations of the property. It will determine the next steps: living in it, renting it out, selling it, or renovating it.
Restoring without altering: enhancing the character
Many inherited properties — especially beautiful old houses — possess a unique character: woodwork, marble fireplaces, high ceilings, noble materials… To enhance this heritage, respectful restoration is preferable to standardized renovation.
Hiring a specialist architect or one accredited by the French Heritage Buildings Authority (Bâtiments de France) may be necessary if the property is located in a protected area or is listed as a historical monument. This professional will be able to reconcile restoration, modernization, and compliance with heritage standards. Furthermore, certain works may be eligible for subsidies or tax breaks, particularly under the Malraux Law or the Heritage Foundation label.
Renting out an inherited property: a value-creation strategy
If the property cannot be occupied or sold immediately, renting it out is a viable alternative for generating income while retaining ownership of the asset. Two types of rentals are particularly well-suited to charming properties:
1. Long-term furnished rental
Ideal for well-located apartments (cities, spa towns, etc.)
Favorable tax treatment under the LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Rental) scheme
Upgrades to meet current standards are often essential
2. Seasonal or luxury rentals
Suitable for holiday homes, villas, and properties with character
Platforms like Airbnb or specialized agencies allow for international visibility
Attractive profitability, especially in tourist areas (Provence, French Riviera, Brittany…)
A property manager or local concierge service can handle the management, tenant selection, cleaning, and property inspections.
Selling: in what cases and how?
Selling an inherited property may be necessary for several reasons: conflictual joint ownership, excessive expenses, lack of use, inheritance taxes to be paid, or geographical remoteness .
Some tips for selling under good conditions:
Have the property appraised by an agency specializing in character or prestige properties.
Enhancing the property's value before sale : minor repairs, home staging, garden maintenance, professional photos…
Choosing the right time : spring and autumn are often the most dynamic.
Contact a real estate agent specializing in the property segment (old house, second home, castle, etc.)
In the case of joint ownership, the sale requires the agreement of all joint owners or a qualified majority, unless legal action is taken.
Preserving and passing on: a heritage choice
Keeping an inherited property can be a sentimental choice… but also a long-term investment . If the property is well-located and maintained, its value can increase over the years. It can also serve as a family vacation home , a property made available to children, or be passed on to the next generation with an optimized inheritance strategy (real estate investment company, division of ownership rights, gift-sharing).
In this case, consider:
Plan an annual maintenance budget (roof, garden, facade renovation, etc.)
Clarify joint management if several family members are involved
Explore the possibilities for showcasing the property , even partially (private events, filming, themed stays, etc.)
🧭 "Real Estate Inheritance" Series: taxation, SCIs (French real estate investment companies), contested inheritances, renovation of inherited property
Our comprehensive report on the topic of real estate inheritance.
Real Estate Inheritance File
The emotion of a gift passed down
Inheriting real estate is often a highly emotional experience. Whether it's a family manor, a Provençal farmhouse, or a Haussmannian apartment , these properties embody a history, a lifestyle, and sometimes a generational connection. But inheriting real estate is not simply about emotional transfer: it also raises legal, tax, and strategic issues that must be fully understood.
🧭 "Real Estate Heritage" Series – Charming Properties
1. Inheriting real estate: Understanding the fundamentals
Key legal concepts (inheritance, wills, joint ownership)
The stages of real estate inheritance
Inheritance taxes and allowances in effect
The decision to accept or reject an inheritance
📌 Target audience : Potential heirs, property-owning families
2. Passing on a prestigious property: the best strategies
Simple donation, shared donation, division of ownership
Advantages of the SCI (Société Civile Immobilière) for family property
Preparing for a smooth succession in a blended family
Concrete examples and heritage schemes
📌 Target audience : Owners of older, high-end, or multi-generational properties
3. Managing an inherited property: restore, rent, sell or keep?
Technical diagnosis of the inherited property
Renovating without altering the character: with or without an architect from the French Buildings Authority
Charming furnished or seasonal rental
Resale: when and how to use a specialist agency
📌 Target audience : New owners or co-owners wishing to increase the value of a property
4. Taxation and assistance for inherited properties
Transfer taxes and post-inheritance taxation
Possible tax relief for historical monuments
DRAC or Heritage Foundation grants and subsidies
Tax deductions for renovations and maintenance
📌 Target audience : Heirs or owners of a listed or registered property
5. Real estate inheritance disputes: how to avoid or resolve them?
Conflictual joint ownership
Disagreements over the sale or retention of the property
Using a notary or mediation
Arbitration and the role of the probate judge
📌 Target audience : Families in dispute or in a deadlock regarding a property
6. Testimonials: They inherited an exceptional property
Stories from individuals who inherited castles, manor houses, and family villas
Successful transformations (guest house, seasonal rental, renovation)
Failures avoided thanks to expert guidance
📌 Target audience : General public, future heirs, heritage enthusiasts
7. The emotion of the place: real estate heritage as family memory
The role of place in the transmission of values
Preserving the soul of the family home
Restore with respect
Intangible heritage (archives, objects, photos, stories)
📌 Target audience : Families attached to sentimental and historical heritage
Why Choose Charming Properties?
🌍 International Visibility
Reach qualified buyers worldwide with our targeted and international audience, ideal for luxury properties.
📈 Optimized SEO
Your ad is positioned at the top of search results, for maximum visibility and faster sales.
📸 High-End Photos Recommended.
Professional visuals are essential for making a great first impression. We help you showcase your property with quality images.
💰 Direct Sale, Zero Commission.
List your property without an agency and keep 100% of the sale price. Total control, flexibility, and direct contact with buyers.
🛠️ Marketing Support:
We write and optimize your ad for search engines. You provide the information, we take care of the rest.
📬 Easily Submit Your Listing:
Send us your description, photos, and energy performance certificate (DPE) via WeTransfer. We will verify your property according to our quality standards.
⚠️ Legal Compliance
Mandatory display of the DPE for all properties in France: we systematically integrate it into your advertisement.
💶 Simple and Transparent Pricing
Fixed-price publication, commission-free
Premium visibility options
Connecting you with professional photographers
➡️ Customized offers available upon request
We can call you back quickly and give you all the information you need. A sales representative will contact you.