Succession and foreclosure: heirs' rights explained

Introduction

The inheritance case is one of the most sensitive moments in family life – not only emotionally but also legally. Especially when a property is part of the estate, complex questions often arise: Who is allowed to live in the house? How is the value divided? And what happens if the heirs cannot agree?

In Switzerland, disagreement over the division of property values or outstanding estate debts often leads to a forced auction. This is legally regulated and offers a structured solution when a peaceful agreement fails. It is not meant to punish, but to ensure that the assets are distributed transparently and fairly.

Legal Foundations

The legal basis for forced auctions in inheritance cases is provided by the Civil Code (ZGB) in conjunction with the Federal Act on Debt Collection and Bankruptcy (SchKG). As soon as a testator dies, an heir community is formed – all heirs collectively become owners of the estate properties. Decisions regarding sale, use, or division can only be made together.

If no agreement is reached, the law provides for the option of a partition auction. This can be requested by one or more co-heirs to dissolve the estate and distribute the proceeds fairly.

Partition Auction in Swiss Law

The partition auction is essentially an orderly procedure for dissolving co-ownership. It differs from a collection auction, where creditor claims take center stage. In an inheritance case, it is solely for inheritance division. The application can be made as soon as it becomes clear that the property cannot be sensibly divided or jointly utilized.

The debt enforcement office of the canton where the property is located is responsible for conducting the auction – for example, in Zurich (ZH), Bern (BE), or Vaud (VD). The office organizes the sale, sets the auction date, and ensures a legally correct processing.

Typical Reasons for a Forced Auction in Inheritance Cases

A forced auction is usually a last resort when other solutions fail. The most common triggers are:

• Disagreement among heirs: When part of the heir community wants to keep the house, but the other insists on payment.
• Liquidity needs: When individual heirs need their share but no agreement is reached on the selling price.
• Mortgage debts: When ongoing loans can no longer be serviced.
• Tax obligations: Such as inheritance taxes or outstanding mortgage interest.

In practice, this particularly concerns properties in regions with high market values, such as in Ticino (TI) or in Lucerne (LU), where the price development often leaves the expectations of the heirs diverging widely.

The Process of an Inheritance Auction

The auction process follows clear rules and is conducted by the debt enforcement office in several steps:

1. Application: One or more heirs apply for the partition auction at the court or debt enforcement office.
2. Valuation: The property is officially appraised to create a fair starting basis.
3. Announcement: The auction is publicly announced, among other things, via LocalAuction.ch.
4. Auction: Interested parties place bids, the highest bid receives the award.
5. Distribution of proceeds: After deducting any mortgages and costs, the remaining amount is divided among the heirs.

“The partition auction is not a failure – it is a regulated way to create clear conditions out of a common property.”

Rights and Obligations of the Heirs

Each heir has the right to file an application for a partition auction. Likewise, any heir – or third parties – can participate in the auction and bid themselves. It is important to note: The proceeds will be distributed according to the legal shares of inheritance unless a will or inheritance agreement states otherwise.

The obligations particularly include participating in the estate settlement. This includes disclosing relevant documents, consenting to appraisals, and attending negotiation appointments. Those who refuse can be compelled to participate by court order.

Practical Example: One House, Three Heirs

A typical scenario: Three siblings inherit a house in Aarau (AG). Two want to sell, one wants to keep the house. As no agreement is reached, a partition auction is initiated. The debt enforcement office sets the market value at 1.2 million CHF, and the auction achieves a bid price of 1.35 million CHF. After deducting the mortgage (400,000 CHF) and fees (15,000 CHF), around 935,000 CHF are distributed among the three heirs – each receiving 311,667 CHF.

This example shows how orderly and transparent such a sale can be conducted – without lengthy disputes or legal battles.

How to Avoid Conflicts?

The best way to avoid a forced auction in inheritance cases is proactive estate planning. A clearly formulated inheritance contract or a wil can specify who receives the property or how it should be appraised. Also, setting a payment deadline or a neutral appraisal can defuse later conflicts.

In the absence of such an arrangement, a neutral platform like LocalAuction.ch is advantageous: It creates transparency for all participants and prevents the sale from occurring "below value."

Role of LocalAuction.ch

LocalAuction.ch offers access to all relevant procedures as a leading platform for official real estate auctions in Switzerland – clearly, up-to-date, and free of charge. Especially in inheritance cases, it ensures transparency and trust among the parties involved: Everyone sees the same market value, the same deadlines, and the same bids.

This democratizes the process: What was previously accessible only through personal contacts and official bulletins is now open to every interested party – whether heir, buyer, or investor.

Conclusion

A forced auction in inheritance cases is not a sign of failure, but an instrument of justice. It ensures that every heir receives their share – regardless of emotions or financial interests. Modern platforms like LocalAuction.ch not only make this process more transparent but also more efficient and fair.

Those who plan early, communicate clearly, and seek professional support can steer the inheritance process in an orderly direction – turning a potential conflict situation into a fair solution that benefits everyone.

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