An Inherited Property in Saxony — the Guide for Charitable Organisations
Review steps, deadlines and a board-resolution template — from the renunciation deadline to proceeds for your cause
Your organisation has been named heir or legatee, and the estate includes a property in Dresden, Leipzig or the surrounding region. This sheet puts the six decisions in the right order — so that board, foundation supervisory authority and tax office can follow every step.
Typical overall duration: around four to six months; tenanted or renovation-grade properties can take longer.
The six decisions in the right order
Legal classification: heir or legatee?
As heir your organisation steps into the deceased's entire legal position — assets and liabilities. As legatee you merely hold a claim to the property against the heirs. Often the organisation is also co-heir in a community of heirs — then the property can only be disposed of jointly.
Accept or renounce — within the deadline
Not every estate is a gift: over-indebtedness, renovation backlog, rights of residence or land charges can exceed the value. The decision rests on a sober value assessment before the deadline expires.
Fiduciary duty: dispose of assets with documentation
Board or management must use the organisation's assets in the best possible and verifiable way. A sale clearly below market value can constitute a breach of duty and becomes something to justify towards the foundation supervisory authority, the tax office and your donors. The documented, written valuation is your safeguard — not a formality.
Sell, let or hold?
Letting ties up administrative capacity that fundraising and programme teams rarely have. Holding without use means vacancy — costs, loss of value, liability risk, a cluster risk without any link to your cause. Selling converts tied-up assets into free, purpose-serving funds — for most organisations the most sensible route.
Keep taxes and deadlines in view
Inheritances and legacies to tax-privileged bodies are exempt from German inheritance tax under § 13 ErbStG. The later sale is as a rule attributable to tax-free asset management (Vermögensverwaltung). Special cases (short holding period, extensive renovation, commercial character) should be reviewed by a tax adviser.
Disposal with a partner on the ground
Proof of succession & land-register correction → property inspection with photo and condition documentation → written valuation for the board decision → discreet or public marketing → support through to the notary appointment and payout of the proceeds. Travel and administrative effort disappear, while diligence remains documented.
For orientation: the Saxon market
| Segment | Median purchase price | Sample calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment, Dresden | approx. €3,150/sqm | 65-sqm apartment ≈ €205,000 |
| House, Dresden | approx. €3,850/sqm | 120-sqm house ≈ €460,000 |
Source: own market analysis, Immobilienpartner Sachsen, as of August 2026. Orientation values — the property-specific valuation is decisive.
Board resolution in five lines
For board, foundation council or management — to fill in and file with the case.
General information, not legal or tax advice. The German version of our documents prevails. Immobilienpartner Sachsen, owner Calvin Linke · Königstraße 4, 01097 Dresden, Germany.