Usufruct: Everything You Need to Know 2026

July 29, 2026

Usufruct is a real right that grants the use and enjoyment of another's property. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know in detail. Don't miss any details!

¿Quieres libertad financiera? Descarga la guía gratuita del paso a paso

What is usufruct?

It represents the transfer of certain legal rights to a property. The definition and an example are explained here.

Legal definition

It is the right to enjoy the property of another with the obligation to preserve its form and substance, as provided for by Article 467 of the Civil Code.

Example applied to a home

A father grants his son the right to live in his home while he is out of the country. Thus, his son may use the house, rent it out, or assign the right to another sibling to live there.

How it works

This legal condition divides the rights to a property. Let's take a look:

Living in a property under usufruct

The occupant (also known as the beneficiary or usufructuary) resides in the home without issue. They enjoy the building as if they were the actual owner, although they do not become the owner of the property.

Renting out a property under usufruct

The person residing in the home has the legal authority to lease the property to third parties. The rental income also belongs to them.

What the usufructuary cannot do

They cannot sell the property. Furthermore, the use of the space must not alter the structure or destroy the value of the asset and its contents.

Differences between usufruct and bare ownership

The full ownership is divided into two separate legal components.

Rights of the usufructuary

The beneficiary enjoys the natural and civil fruits of the property. Furthermore, they may transfer this right of enjoyment to another person free of charge.

Rights of the bare owner

The owner retains title to the property. This investor may sell their bare ownership right. They do not, however, have the right to possess or enjoy the property.

When full ownership is recovered

This occurs upon the expiration of the right of use. The owner acquires full title to the property.

Types of usufruct

Civil legislation establishes various methods for establishing this condition. These include:

Lifetime

This arrangement lasts for the duration of the beneficiary's life. The death of the occupant extinguishes the right automatically.

Temporary

The agreement establishes a specific duration from the outset. The expiration of the set date dissolves the right.

Legal, voluntary, and testamentary

The law imposes the legal modality in cases of forced heirship. Voluntary agreements arise from contracts between living persons. A will reflects the final wishes of the deceased regarding their real estate assets.

Regarding assets, properties, and rights

The regulations allow applying this structure to tangible assets and financial rights. Company shares and investment funds fall into this category.

Rights and obligations of the usufructuary

The law precisely regulates the privileges and duties of the current occupant of the property, as explained below:

Right to use, lease, and collect rent

As a beneficiary, it is possible to use, lease, and receive income from that service.

Obligation to maintain the property

The user must maintain the building with due diligence to prevent its deterioration.

Repairs, expenses, and taxes

As the occupant, you must pay ordinary expenses derived from the use of the property.

Legal limits

The beneficiary respects structural limits without diminishing the value of the real estate asset.

Rights and obligations of the bare owner

There are certain rights regarding the bare owner that you should consider. Please note:

What the owner can do while the usufruct exists

The titleholder may sell or mortgage the bare ownership. The owner may carry out work that does not harm the beneficiary. However, they may not occupy or enjoy the property.

Extraordinary repairs and assessments

The owner finances structural work on the building. Community assessments for facade improvements are their responsibility.

Sale of bare ownership

It is legal for the owner to sell the primary residence to a third party. In fact, the market purchases these assets at a discount due to the waiting period.

How it is established

To establish this legal right, both parties must be included in a legal contract.

By contract

Both parties sign a temporary transfer agreement. Consequently, one acquires the right of use while the other retains ownership.

By will or inheritance

The testator outlines their wishes regarding succession in a notarized document. The text assigns the right to occupy the property to the designated beneficiary.

Donation with retained usufruct

Parents transfer property ownership to their descendants free of charge, while retaining the right to reside in the home for life.

Public deed and property registry

The notary certifies the agreement through an official public document. This process provides legal security against future buyers.

¿Quieres libertad financiera? Descarga la guía gratuita del paso a paso

Usufruct in inheritances

Civil law protects the financial stability of the surviving spouse through mandatory allocations.

Lifetime usufruct for the surviving spouse

The law guarantees the survivor the right to use a portion of the estate. This share varies depending on the presence of children or ascendants.

Heir children and bare ownership

The descendants acquire ownership of the assets, but without the right to use them.

What happens upon the death of the usufructuary

The right of use terminates upon the beneficiary's death. Consequently, the original owner regains full ownership with 100% of their rights restored.

How to calculate the value of usufruct in 2026

The economic valuation of these rights requires the application of specific tax rules for tax calculation purposes.

Calculating lifetime usufruct

The value is determined by subtracting the beneficiary's age from 89. The result represents the percentage applicable to the total value of the property, with 70% being the maximum and 10% the minimum.

Calculating temporary usufruct

The valuation assigns 2% for each year of the contract's duration. The maximum permitted percentage is 70% of the total value of the asset.

Step-by-step practical example

Follow this example for a 70-year-old usufructuary whose property is worth €100,000:

  • Subtract the usufructuary's age from 89. This gives 89 – 70 = 19%.
  • Calculate the percentage of the property value. In this case, €100,000 x 0.19 = €19,000.
  • Reorganize the values. For this example, that would be €19,000 for the usufruct and €81,000 for the bare ownership.

These steps allow you to calculate the value of the usufruct.

How to calculate the value of bare ownership

The calculation is performed by subtracting the value of the right of use from the total value of the property. In the previous example, the result is €81,000.

Taxes, expenses, and property tax (IBI)

Local tax laws define the taxpayer for each fee. Let's examine them:

Who pays the IBI (Property Tax)

The property tax is the responsibility of the usufructuary by mandate of the local treasury laws.

Who pays for community fees, utilities, and repairs

The beneficiary is responsible for covering ordinary expenses for the homeowners' association, as well as water, electricity, and gas bills. This also applies to minor repairs.

Taxes on inheritances, donations, and personal income tax

The beneficiary settles the inheritance tax based on the calculated value of the right. The bare owner is taxed for their corresponding share.

How it is extinguished

The termination of this legal condition restores full freedom to the property owner. These are the causes:

Death of the usufructuary

The death of the usufructuary automatically extinguishes the right of use and enjoyment.

End of the term or fulfillment of a condition

Once the time set in temporary contracts is completed, the right of use is dissolved.

Renunciation, consolidation, and loss of the property

The beneficiary may voluntarily renounce their right. However, consolidation occurs when the same person acquires both titles. And the destruction of the building extinguishes the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a life interest in a property?

It is the right to use another person's home and receive its economic benefits.

Can the usufructuary rent out the property?

Yes, the beneficiary has the legal authority to lease the property to third parties.

Can the usufructuary sell the property?

No, the resident lacks the authority to sell the real estate.

Who pays the property tax (IBI) on a home with a life interest?

Payment of this municipal tax is the responsibility of the usufructuary according to tax regulations.

Can a life interest be renounced?

Yes, the holder may voluntarily relinquish their right at any time.

Invest in properties with Domoblock

There are new ways to participate in real estate investment, and it is also important to know the alternatives for investing in real estate. With Domoblock, you can access the world of real estate starting from €200, without banks or complicated paperwork.

We digitize real estate in strategic areas so you can participate in house flippingin Spain comfortably and securely through real estate tokenization. The entire process is 100% online and backed by blockchain. Our specialists analyze every investment to ensure its profitability potential before placing it in your hands.

¿Quieres libertad financiera? Descarga la guía gratuita del paso a paso

Conclusion

Managing your assets is no simple task. However, with Domoblock, you can achieve it more easily. Usufruct is a legal tool that optimizes successions to maintain order and harmony. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Autor

Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments, and personal finance

Do you like what you're reading?

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Do you like what you're reading?

Subscribe to our newsletter!

En curso

Valencia | Bétera

Calle Pilar Mateo

DOMO-VLC-36 Fase 1
Obra nueva

Funded

100%

1.167.964,69€

Target

1.167.964,69€

Rentabilidad estimada:
13%
Duración estimada:
11
Chat with other investors and ask your questions in our Telegram group

Related articles