THE FINANCIAL WELLNESS COACH: How to fairly divide a family holiday home between local and overseas heirs

A family faces the dilemma of dividing a cherished South African holiday home worth R20-million between two adult children, one living in South Africa and the other overseas. The South African child is likely to use the property, while the overseas child may not derive much value from owning a share in the home. Leaving the property equally to both children may appear fair, but the overseas child may eventually demand the right to liquidate their share, potentially forcing the sale of the home or requiring the South African child to pay a significant amount to buy out their sibling.

The article suggests an alternative approach, dividing the inheritance equally by creating an equivalent value for the overseas child from other assets. This may involve calculating the gap between the value of the home and the value of other assets the overseas child already possesses. One potential solution is to use an offshore life insurance policy, structured appropriately, to fund the equalisation amount.

This can provide the child with liquid funds offshore, potentially avoiding estate duty and offering easier access to the inheritance.

By implementing this strategy, the family can preserve the family home while treating both children fairly and reducing the potential for financial disputes among heirs. Securing adequate life insurance now may be more affordable and easier than trying to obtain it later in life, especially if health declines. This approach not only ensures a fair division of the family asset but also maintains the family home as a treasured inheritance for the child residing in South Africa.