Estate Inventory Cost – Prices and Price Level
· 2 min read
Price range
The total cost of an estate inventory depends on whether it is done personally or with professional help. When done yourself, costs are limited to document fees: the family record, civil registry certificates, and balance certificates cost approximately EUR 100–300 in total. With a lawyer or legal professional, the estate inventory typically costs EUR 500–2,000, including the expert's fee and document compilation.
Banks' estate inventory services are often the most expensive, in the EUR 1,000–3,000 range.
Factors affecting cost
The estate inventory cost is particularly affected by the scope and complexity of the estate. In a simple estate with one bank account and household goods, the workload is small. In a complex estate with real estate, investments, business assets, or international connections, more hours accumulate. The number of shareholders and any disagreements also affect the workload.
DIY estate inventory
The estate inventory can be done yourself, provided you obtain two witnesses who are not estate shareholders. The witnesses do not need legal training. When doing it yourself, you save the expert's fee, but the responsibility for accuracy lies with the estate notifier. Errors in the deed can lead to tax consequences, so professional help is recommended for complex estates.
Expert's fee
Lawyers and law firms typically charge for estate inventories either at a fixed price or hourly rate. The fixed price is typically EUR 500–1,500 for a simple estate. The hourly rate varies from EUR 150–300 per hour. It is worth requesting an itemised quote in advance to know what is included and which costs are billed separately.
Other costs
In addition to the expert's fee, costs arise from ordering documents: family record from DVV (approx. EUR 50–80), civil registry certificates (approx. EUR 10–20 each), bank balance certificates (approx. EUR 30–50 per bank), and property title certificates. These costs are estate expenses and are deducted from the estate's assets. Certified copies of the estate inventory deed may also incur a small additional cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an estate inventory cost with a lawyer?
A lawyer's fee for an estate inventory typically ranges from EUR 500 to 2,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the estate. In a simple estate with just a bank account and ordinary household goods, the price is usually lower. In a complex estate with real estate, business assets, or foreign property, the price rises. The fee typically includes compiling documents, arranging the event, and drafting the estate inventory deed.
Can the estate inventory be done for free?
Yes. The estate inventory can be done without outside help, in which case the only costs are fees for obtaining documents, such as ordering the family record and balance certificates. These typically total EUR 100–300. When doing it yourself, two witnesses (uskotut miehet) are still needed; they do not need to be professionals — they can be, for example, acquaintances or relatives who are not shareholders of the estate.
What is included in the estate inventory price?
An expert's estate inventory fee usually includes an initial assessment and consultation with shareholders, ordering and compiling required documents, organising the estate inventory event, drafting the estate inventory deed, and submitting the deed to the Tax Administration. In some cases, advice on inheritance distribution and inheritance taxation is also included. Document procurement costs are usually billed separately.
Does the bank offer estate inventory services?
Several banks offer estate inventory services, but these are often more expensive than similar services from lawyers or law firms. Banks' estate inventory service prices typically range from EUR 1,000 to 3,000. The bank's service can be convenient if the deceased's assets are concentrated in that bank, but it is worth requesting a comparison quote from a law firm for better value.
Who pays for the estate inventory?
Estate inventory costs are paid from the estate's assets, not from an individual shareholder's pocket. Estate administration costs are the estate's debt, deducted from the assets before inheritance distribution. If the estate does not have sufficient funds, the shareholders can agree on cost sharing. In practice, the estate notifier may pay the costs initially and be reimbursed from the estate's assets later.
Read also
Can you do the estate inventory yourself? When is a lawyer needed? Comparison, DIY instructions, and risk assessment.
What documents are needed for an estate inventory? A comprehensive list: family records, civil registry certificates, will, bank statements, and property documents.
Key duties of the estate administrator: estate management, documents, estate inventory, and inheritance distribution. Who can serve as estate administrator?