Why a house sale often accompanies a nursing home (EMS) admission

When a parent or loved one needs to move into a nursing home (EMS), the question of what to do with their home arises quickly. The family house, sometimes occupied for decades, becomes difficult to maintain alone, and above all, financing EMS care represents a significant monthly cost that an empty property does not cover. Selling the house then becomes a natural solution to free up liquidity, simplify estate management and calmly secure the funds needed for care.

This is both a financial and an emotional process: it is often the house where a family grew up. At Home Smart, we regularly support families across the Vaud Riviera, the Chablais and central Valais through this kind of transition, with tact and transparency.

The financial challenges of nursing home care in French-speaking Switzerland

The cost of a nursing home stay in the canton of Vaud or in Valais can reach several thousand francs per month depending on the level of care required. Supplementary AVS/AI benefits can cover part of the costs, but real estate assets are generally taken into account when calculating these benefits. Selling the property often allows the necessary funds to be released without delay, while avoiding the complications of a vacant home (insurance, maintenance, charges, risk of deterioration).

Selling or renting: which solution to choose?

In some situations, the family prefers to keep the property and rent it out to generate regular income rather than selling immediately. Our rental management service can then handle the entire process: finding a tenant, inventory of fixtures, rent collection and administrative follow-up. However, when financial needs are immediate or the family does not want to take on the role of a remote landlord, selling often remains the simplest and fastest solution.

A fast, well-managed sale thanks to the fixed fee

For these situations that often require responsiveness, Home Smart offers flat-fee brokerage at CHF 15,000 all-inclusive, regardless of the property's sale price. This pricing transparency is particularly appreciated by families who are already managing a complex situation and do not want unpleasant surprises on fees. We detail this approach in our article Selling at a fixed fee: CHF 15,000 all-inclusive, and only if it sells.

Administrative and legal steps to anticipate

Selling a house in this context often involves specific legal requirements:

  • If the person entering the nursing home is under guardianship, approval from the adult protection authority (APEA) is generally required to validate the sale.
  • A properly drafted power of attorney may be required if a relative acts on behalf of the owner.
  • In case of joint ownership or multiple heirs, agreement from all parties is essential before listing the property.
  • Financing for a potential buyer can be facilitated through our partnership with La Vaudoise via our mortgage financing service.

We always recommend starting with a free valuation of the property, with no obligation, in order to have a solid basis for the family and, if needed, for the protection authority.

Home Smart by your side across the Vaud Riviera, the Chablais and Valais

Whether the house is located in Villeneuve, Montreux, Vevey, Aigle or in the Upper Valais and Crans-Montana area, our in-depth knowledge of local markets allows us to value the property fairly and quickly target the right buyers. We cover these market specifics in our article Selling on the Vaud Riviera: Villeneuve, Montreux, Vevey.

Our practical tips for a smooth sale

  • Start with a free valuation to know the property's real market value.
  • Check for any obligations related to guardianship or a power of attorney.
  • Favor a flat-fee sale mandate to control costs during an already financially demanding period.
  • Consider decluttering and, if necessary, making small renovations to enhance the property's value, with the help of our partner MnPro.ch.
  • Surround yourself with a professional who understands the human dimension of this type of transaction.

Selling a house to finance a nursing home admission is a delicate step, but it can unfold calmly when properly supported. Home Smart brings its local expertise and transparent approach to families across the Vaud Riviera, the Chablais, Lausanne, central Valais and Crans-Montana. Contact us to discuss it in complete confidentiality: Smart your life!