Selling the bare ownership.

Selling your home while keeping the right to live in it for life: how it works, what it’s worth and who it suits.

Bare ownership and usufruct

Selling the bare ownership means transferring the home while keeping the usufruct: the right to keep living in it (or renting it out) for life. The buyer becomes the "bare" owner and gains full ownership only when the usufruct ends. It is often chosen by older owners who want liquidity now without leaving home.

How the value is calculated

The price of bare ownership is always lower than full ownership, because the buyer cannot use the home immediately. How much lower depends mainly on the usufructuary’s age: the younger they are, the longer the usufruct lasts and the lower the bare ownership. There are reference coefficients, but the real market value must be assessed case by case.

Who it suits

For the seller: a significant sum while staying in their own home, useful to top up a pension or help the children. For the buyer: a reduced price for a property that will become full in the future, as a long-term investment. Finding the right buyer is exactly our job.

Mind the details

Who pays extraordinary costs, what happens if the usufructuary wants to move, how any rental is handled: points to define well in the deed. The structure of the operation is a matter for the notary.

FAQ

What does selling bare ownership mean?
Selling the home while keeping the usufruct, i.e. the right to live in it or rent it out for life. The buyer gains full ownership only when the usufruct ends.

How much is bare ownership worth versus full ownership?
Less, because the buyer cannot use the home immediately. It depends mainly on the usufructuary’s age: the younger they are, the lower the bare ownership.

Who does selling bare ownership suit?
Those who want liquidity now while continuing to live in the home, often to top up a pension. The buyer gets a reduced price for a long-term investment.

This article is informational and describes how things generally work. For your specific case the notaio (notary), accountant and qualified professionals are the reference; for legal matters, a lawyer.

Part of the complete guide to selling a home in Sanremo.