Co-ownership and division of jointly owned property
A flat inherited by three siblings where one refuses to sell is not a dead end. Nobody is obliged to remain in co-ownership, and the law provides the way out.
What co-ownership means here
Several people own undivided shares of the same asset, none of them holding a specific physical part. It is what almost always happens when property is inherited by more than one person.
While it lasts, none of them can sell the whole property without the others, none can let it unilaterally, and all are liable for the costs.
The routes out
The first is ending the co-ownership: one co-owner buys out the others. It is the cheapest route and has more favourable tax treatment than an ordinary sale, which is worth planning properly.
The second is a joint sale to a third party, splitting the price by share. It requires agreement but usually maximises value.
The third, where there is no agreement, is the action for division. Any co-owner can apply to the court and, if the asset cannot be physically divided, it is sold at public auction and the proceeds split.
Selling your share to a third party
There is a market of companies buying undivided shares from blocked co-owners. It is legal, but the price offered is usually well below the proportional value, and the other co-owners hold pre-emption and redemption rights.
Before selling a share at a discount, it is almost always worth pricing the court route instead.
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Can I force my siblings to sell an inherited property?+
Not to sell voluntarily, but you can bring an action for division. Nobody is obliged to remain in co-ownership: if the property cannot be physically divided, it is sold and the proceeds split by share.