Where to sell an apartment in Barcelona with usufruct

If you have arrived here, you are probably in a situation that raises many questions. You own a property with usufruct in Barcelona and wonder whether you can really sell it, how much it is worth or who might be interested in buying it.

At Monika Rüsch, we have spent many years helping owners sell properties in Barcelona in all kinds of situations. Our in-depth knowledge of the city, its neighbourhoods and the reality of the real estate market allows us to offer clear solutions even in transactions that may seem complex at first glance.

We are a small, close and family-run real estate agency. We like to maintain the personal approach of the past while working with a modern and different vision. We combine experience, technology and innovative strategies to achieve the best results for our clients.

When it comes to selling a property with usufruct, having the right information makes all the difference. That is why we want to explain in a simple way what your options are and how we can help you.

"Throughout our career, we have helped many families sell properties with complex legal situations. Our goal is always to find the most suitable solution for each client, explaining everything clearly and supporting them throughout the entire process."

Jordi · Monika Rüsch

What is usufruct and can a property with this situation be sold?

Usufruct is a very common legal concept in Spain, especially when talking about inheritances or family wealth planning.

To understand it simply, there are two main figures:

• Bare owner: the legal owner of the property.
• Usufructuary: has the right to use the property, either to live in it or rent it out.

This situation often arises when children inherit a property and one of the parents retains a lifetime usufruct.

In these cases, it is normal for questions such as the following to arise:

• Can I sell the property?
• How much is it really worth?
• Who would buy a property with usufruct?
• What happens if the usufruct comes from an inheritance?

The reality is that many people think that a property with usufruct cannot be sold, but this is not true. There are different alternatives that allow the transaction to be carried out legally and safely.

The important thing is to analyse each case individually to determine the best strategy.

Thanks to our experience in the Barcelona real estate market, we are used to managing this type of transaction and finding suitable buyers for each situation.

In addition, we know the reality of every neighbourhood in Barcelona perfectly, from the most traditional areas to the most dynamic and exclusive markets, which allows us to properly value each property and guide the sale towards the right buyer profile.

Options for selling an apartment with usufruct in Barcelona

The good news is that it is possible to sell a property with usufruct.

Depending on the specific situation, there are different alternatives that can facilitate the transaction.

Sale of the bare ownership

This is one of the most common options.

In this case, the owner sells the bare ownership while the usufructuary retains their right to use and enjoy the property.

The buyer acquires ownership but must respect the existing usufruct until it ends.

There is currently a growing market of buyers and investors interested in this type of transaction.

Termination of the usufruct

In certain circumstances, the usufruct may be terminated before the sale takes place.

When this happens, the property becomes fully owned by a single owner, considerably simplifying the real estate transaction.

Each case must be analysed from a legal and tax perspective to determine whether this alternative is viable.

Agreement between the parties

It is also common for the bare owner and the usufructuary to reach an agreement to sell the property jointly.

This solution usually creates greater commercial flexibility, as it allows the property to be offered to the market without limitations arising from the usufruct.

At Monika Rüsch, we analyse each situation individually. We do not believe in standard solutions because every family and every property has different circumstances.

Our job is to review the documentation, explain the available options and design a sales strategy that achieves the best possible result.

This close and transparent way of working is precisely one of the reasons why so many clients recommend us after selling their property with us.

How much is a property with usufruct worth and how to obtain a realistic valuation

One of the most frequent questions is knowing the real value of a property with usufruct.

The answer depends on several factors, although there is one particularly important factor.

The value of the bare ownership mainly depends on the age of the usufructuary.

In general:

• The older the usufructuary, the higher the value of the bare ownership tends to be.
• The younger the usufructuary, the lower the value of the bare ownership tends to be.

This is because the buyer takes into account the period during which the usufruct right will presumably remain in force.

However, this is not the only factor that influences the valuation.

We must also consider:

• The location of the property.
• The neighbourhood where it is located.
• The size and layout.
• The condition of the property.
• The demand in the area.
• The current evolution of the Barcelona real estate market.

For this reason, it is essential to obtain a professional valuation specifically for this type of property.

At Monika Rüsch, we know the Barcelona real estate market in depth and have spent decades analysing all types of transactions. Our experience allows us to determine a realistic value and develop a sales strategy tailored to each property.

We are a trusted real estate agency with a long track record and excellent reviews from clients who have trusted us to sell their properties.

We like to combine the professionalism and rigour of a well-established agency with a different, close and much more personalised way of working than large real estate franchises.

If you own a property with usufruct and would like to know the real sales options available, we will be delighted to help you.

Calculate the value of your property with usufruct in Barcelona.

Request a free, no-obligation valuation.

We will analyse your case personally and explain the best alternative to sell your property safely, transparently and obtaining the highest possible value.