Resale & purchase
Estate Purchase (Nachlassankauf)
Also known as: Nachlassankauf · sell an estate · estate buyout · house contents purchase · probate contents sale
In an estate purchase («Nachlassankauf») a dealer buys the sellable part of an estate for cash. The proceeds can be offset directly against the cost of the clearance, which makes the clearance substantially cheaper and, in some cases, cost-neutral or even a net credit.
How the purchase works
First comes the survey: what is there, and what has a market value? Relevant items are valued, and for specialist categories — watches, jewellery, art, musical instruments — an expert is called in. You then receive an offer, which you are free to accept or decline.
If you accept, the amount is either paid out to you or offset directly against the clearance invoice. You receive an itemised list of everything purchased — important if you have to account for the estate to co-heirs, particularly when some of them live abroad.
Outright purchase or commission sale?
With an outright purchase you get a fixed sum immediately and the dealer carries the resale risk. With a commission sale the item is sold on your behalf and you receive the proceeds minus a commission — potentially more money, but later and with no guarantee.
For individual valuable pieces, a commission sale or an auction is often worth it. For a mixed household, the outright purchase is more practical, because you have a figure and the matter is closed.
How to recognise a reputable buyer
They inspect on site rather than estimating over the phone. They list items individually instead of offering one lump sum for «everything». They explain how they arrive at a value. They do not push for an immediate decision. And they give you a written itemised list.
Be careful with uninvited door-to-door visits, with pressure for an instant cash deal without a receipt, and with offers in which valuables quietly disappear into a flat-rate price for the whole household.
A real-world example
In a house clearance in Küsnacht the following are purchased: a mechanical wristwatch (CHF 3,400), a Persian rug (CHF 1,600), two oil paintings (CHF 900), a silver cutlery set (CHF 700) and assorted furniture (CHF 1,100). Total purchase CHF 7,700 against clearance costs of CHF 6,900. The community of heirs receives a credit note of CHF 800 instead of an invoice.
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Frequently asked questions about Estate Purchase (Nachlassankauf)
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