Who pays for clearance?

The joint heirs – costs count as estate liabilities.

How long does clearance take?

On average two to four weeks, or 1-3 days with a specialist firm.

What about hoarder properties?

Use specialist clearers; costs can rise to €/CHF 8,000-15,000.

Which insurances must be cancelled first?

Home contents, liability, glass – effective on the official handover date.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, registered charities issue receipts you can use in the tax return.

Property clearance Switzerland: process, costs and tips for relatives

<p>Property clearance in Switzerland is one of the most demanding tasks for the bereaved. This guide walks you from securing keys to final handover, with realistic costs and tax pointers. The <a href="/app" class="text-primary underline">Wegbegleiter App</a> supports every step with checklists and receipt management.</p>

When does the property need clearing?

After a death in Switzerland the heirs must examine the lease. The usual notice is three months to the end of the month, often with a one-month special termination right in the case of inheritance. If the deceased owned the property, sale or re-letting takes longer, but valuation and clearance should still start early.

First steps

1. Secure keys and locks. 2. Cancel or transfer electricity, water, gas and internet. 3. Document valuables (photos, lists). 4. Safeguard key documents (contracts, policies, will). 5. Keep home contents insurance running until handover.

DIY or hire a clearance company?

A professional clearance in Switzerland costs €/CHF 1,500–6,000 depending on size and condition. Doing it yourself saves money but takes weeks and emotional energy. The common compromise: sort valuables and keepsakes yourself, delegate the rest.

Three categories per item

The three-box system speeds things up:

Keep – sentimental or practical value
Sell or donate – working furniture, books, devices
Dispose – worn, broken, hazardous

Donations to charity shorten the clearance and help others.

Costs, receipts and tax

Clearance and refurbishment costs are estate liabilities and reduce inheritance tax. Keep every receipt – transport, helper meals, disposal fees – and submit them with the tax return.

Handover to landlord or buyer

Leave the property broom-clean, read meters into a written record and hand over every set of keys. Sign a handover protocol to avoid later claims. The Wegbegleiter App guides every step of clearance and stores receipts digitally.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for clearance?: The joint heirs – costs count as estate liabilities.
How long does clearance take?: On average two to four weeks, or 1-3 days with a specialist firm.
What about hoarder properties?: Use specialist clearers; costs can rise to €/CHF 8,000-15,000.
Which insurances must be cancelled first?: Home contents, liability, glass – effective on the official handover date.
Are donations tax-deductible?: Yes, registered charities issue receipts you can use in the tax return.

Wegbegleiter – the app for difficult moments

Checklists, letter templates and an encrypted emergency folder – free to start.

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