Living donation of a house: how can my mother transfer her property?

Excerpt: The living donation of a house allows your mother to transmit her property securely, benefiting from tax advantages and a tailored plan for every family.

“Transferring a house during one's lifetime means security, optimized taxes and family peace of mind in Massy, Palaiseau and Chilly-Mazarin.”

Immediate summary

Living donation of a house is the ideal solution for early inheritance transfer. Your mother can give you her house directly with a classic donation, with reserved usufruct to keep the use, or via a family SCI. A tax allowance of €100,000 renewable every 15 years applies. Special exemptions are also available in 2025.

Simple donation: speed and effectiveness

Direct donation allows instant transfer of ownership. It is executed before a notary, and the house is fully in your name. However, your mother gives up all rights to the property, which may not suit some families.

Donation with reserved usufruct: retain usage

Choosing donation with reserved usufruct allows your mother to give you the bare ownership of the house while keeping the right to live there or receive the rent. This arrangement is favored to secure her position while reducing donation taxes. In Massy, where the value of a house is often €500,000, this strategy optimizes both taxes and family interests.

New tax advantages in 2025

In 2025, an exceptional exemption allows transfer of up to €100,000 tax-free, up to €300,000, usable for purchase or renovation of property. This opportunity, valid until December 31, 2026, can be combined with usual allowances for greater family flexibility.

Family SCI: a custom strategy

A family SCI helps share and manage properties among several people. It enables gradual transfer of social shares and tax optimization. This system is perfect for families anticipating division issues and wanting harmony among heirs. Warning: an SCI is less suitable for furnished rental or specific loans.

Real estate prices in Massy, Palaiseau and Chilly-Mazarin: a key indicator

Thanks to Nicolas Immobilier agency, free property valuation clarifies these values. Houses in Massy are generally around €4,250/m², making donation planning easier. Our local expertise as market leader provides reliable advice for every family project. See our achievements and client testimonials.

Notarial fees and costs: plan ahead

Notary fees are based on the value transferred. A €100,000 allowance per parent and child, renewable every 15 years, usually allows you to transfer the house without transfer tax. Beyond that, the progressive scale is still better than classic succession.

Donation or inheritance? Making the right choice

Anticipated donation avoids undivided ownership and optimizes taxes. It offers peace of mind to your mother, letting her organize her estate while living. Inheritance remains possible but usually less tax-friendly.

Considering reserved inheritance

In France, reserved inheritance safeguards legal heirs (at least 50% for a single child). Any donation must respect this rule to avoid later disputes. Learn more about our transmission advice.

Advice from Nicolas Immobilier agency at Massy, Palaiseau and Chilly-Mazarin

At Nicolas Immobilier, leading the market with more than 1,400 families, we recommend donation with reserved usufruct and use of 2025 allowances. We offer personal valuation and full support. To buy in Massy, Palaiseau or Chilly-Mazarin, check the listings on our portal.

Author bio

Nicolas Benoit, director of Nicolas Immobilier, supports both families and investors in Massy, Palaiseau, and Chilly-Mazarin. With over 1,400 satisfied clients, his recognized professionalism and perfect market knowledge guarantee every real estate project a personalized, honest solution.

key topics

• House donation
• Usufruct
• Valuation
• Buy property
• Massy agency