What is the best way to sell a property when you separate?
Florian Sanchez 
Whether painful or mutually agreed, a separation almost always raises the delicate question of what to do with the shared home. When two people have bought a property together, selling it is often unavoidable. However, amid all the emotions, administrative procedures and financial considerations involved, it can be difficult to see things clearly.
At Chrysalis, we regularly support people in this situation. We understand how important it is to combine active listening, clarity and efficiency. So here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you understand how to sell a property when you separate.
1. Why sell your property when you separate?
The sale of a property may be necessary for a number of reasons:
Neither partner is willing or able to buy out the other’s share.
The home may be too big or full of memories, or simply unsuited to your new lifestyle.
Expenses are too high for a single income.
It is a joint decision to bring a stage of life to a fitting close.
In all cases, selling the property enables any credit to be repaid and the remaining sums to be distributed fairly.
2. Who owns the property?
Before any action is taken, the legal status of the property must be clarified:
💍 In the case of marriage :
Community of property : the property is held jointly, even if only one person financed it. In this case, it is necessary to agree to sell or liquidate the regime.
Separate property: each person retains their share according to their contribution. This will be specified in the deed of sale.
👫 In case of cohabitation or a PACS :
The property is jointly owned if it was bought as a couple. In this case, you are co-owners to the extent of your contribution (e.g. 50/50 or 70/30, depending on the purchase deed).
If only one person is the owner, the other has no rights to the property unless they can prove they contributed to the repayments.
Note: if you are in joint ownership, you cannot sell without the agreement of the other co-owner.
3. What steps are involved in selling a property in the event of a separation?
📝 3.1. Agreeing on the sale
Even in the event of a difficult separation, it is essential to engage in dialogue or use a mediator or notary to define:
Whether the property is to be sold
At what price ?
When is the deadline ?
How costs will be shared (work, agency fees, credit costs, etc.).
At Chrysalide, we understand how emotionally challenging this process can be. We remain neutral and attentive, ensuring that each party is heard.
🏡 3.2. Have your property appraised
It is crucial to obtain an objective, precise and well-argued valuation. This helps to avoid disagreements and establish a sound basis for discussion, ensuring that the property is neither under- nor overvalued.
🏦 3.3. Check credit status
If a loan is still outstanding, there are several possible scenarios:
The property is resold and the loan is repaid with the proceeds.
If a balance remains, it will be divided between the two co-borrowers.
A mortgage discharge may be necessary (to be arranged with your notary).
📸 3.4. Putting the property up for sale
Once an agreement has been reached, we launch the sale:
Professional pictures
Optimised ads
Coordinated visits
Transparent communication between the two ex-partners
Chrysalide can centralise all communication to avoid misunderstandings or disputes.
✍️ 5. Sign the compromise, then the deed
The preliminary sales agreement is signed in the presence of both parties (or by proxy).
The deed of sale is signed at the notary’s office, who distributes the funds between the former partners according to what was agreed in the preliminary sales agreement.
4. The pitfalls to avoid
❌ Selling in a hurry
Even if the separation is painful, a hasty sale could cost you money. It’s best to take a step back and enlist the help of an impartial professional.
❌ Failing to anticipate costs
Notary fees, early repayment penalties and mandatory diagnostics are just a few of the costs that must be clearly broken down.
❌ Blocking a grudge sale
It’s human nature, but it’s counterproductive. Trying to prevent a sale out of anger or hurt only delays the healing process and often generates additional costs.
5. What are the alternatives to selling?
If sale is not possible or desired :
Buy-out: one of the partners buys the other’s share. A new valuation must be obtained, financing arranged, and the transaction formalised by a notary.
Renting out: This generates shared income, either temporarily or permanently. Be careful about how you apportion expenses.
Joint ownership by agreement: a regulated agreement to ‘pause’ the management of the property.
6. Why call on Chrysalide?
At Chrysalide, we take a different approach:
🤝 Human
We understand that every sale represents a life in transition. Our role is to support you with kindness and impartiality.
⚖️ Just
Our estimates are well-founded, transparent and realistic. There are no empty promises or pressure.
🧭 Structured
We facilitate administrative procedures, organise visits and manage communication between the two parties, so that everyone can move forward with greater peace of mind.
In conclusion
Selling real estate during a separation is not just a legal or financial issue. It’s often a symbolic step that can be painful, but it’s also necessary to turn over a new leaf.
At Chrysalide, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, providing sincere, discreet and respectful guidance every step of the way.
