Although the majority of owners do not need to complete a new declaration for real estate in 2024, it remains obligatory in the event of a change in situation. Today, MoneyVox responds to Bertrand, who wonders what steps to take when you sell your house to buy another.
Question from Bertrand F, April 16, 2024
Hello, my wife and I moved, we bought a new house and put the old one up for sale. How should we declare this accommodation.
Good morning,
Like many owners, you are wondering about the declaration of real estate, obligatory since spring 2023. Last year, the General Directorate of Public Finances (DGFiP) invited all owners to make this declaration. via the Manage my real estate service. It was intended to make it possible to precisely determine the owners still liable for housing tax (secondary residence, rental housing) or the tax on vacant housing.
Real estate taxes: Do I have to redo the mandatory tax declaration in 2024?
From, nearly 83% of owners fulfilled their obligations. For the majority, therefore, do nothing, since the DGFIP reminds that a new declaration of occupancy is only necessary in the event of a change in situation. Which, Bertrand, is your case. Since you have purchased, and apparently moved into, this new property, your primary residence changes.
A new main residence, and accommodation considered vacant
Normally, you must therefore go to the Manage my real estate space to declare this change. The new house you occupy becomes your principal residence. For the house you are selling, you must indicate that the accommodation has been vacant, and for how long, i.e. the date you moved. This requires that the house is no longer occupied and that you are not using it as a second home while waiting for the sale.
By declaring your property vacant, and not as a second residence, you will avoid being unfairly taxed. Indeed, if a tax on vacant housing exists, it is only applied in the case of unfurnished residential accommodation that has been vacant for more than 2 years.
Declaration of real estate: How can I avoid housing tax for my apartment?
Nevertheless, an important date to remember: January 1, 2024. Indeed, it is the situation on this date that must be declared before June 30, 2024. In short: if your move occurred after January 1, 2024, nothing has changed in the eyes of the DGFiP. Your main residence remains your old home. However, you can still update your information by indicating the changes. These will already be taken into account for the year 2025.