Money or a house: what it could become if you keep it, rent it out, or invest it in ETFs. In today’s money, without the jargon.
You inherited money
€100,000
15 years
In 15 years, in today’s money:
Left in the bank€74,301
Invested in ETFs over 12 months a little each month during the first year€198,778
Invested in ETFs all at once 7% historical average · range 5–9%€205,000
You received €100,000
Left in the bank it would lose about €25,699 of buying power. Invested in ETFs it could grow by about €105,000 in today’s money (between €154,467 and €270,642 depending on the markets).
All at once beat investing gradually about 2 times out of 3 in Vanguard’s research (1976–2022), but 12 monthly instalments feel easier if markets fall right after you start. The expected difference is small. 2% inflation, before taxes and costs.
Before investing it in ETFs
Wait until the estate is settled and the inheritance tax is paid.
Keep an emergency fund of about 6 months of expenses.
Pay off expensive debt first (cards, personal loans).
Money you need within 3–5 years: a savings deposit.
The rest: invest it in ETFs, all at once or in 6–12 instalments.
You inherited a house
€200,000
€700
Per month, before taxes. Check listings in the area.
15 years
Costs and assumptions (tap to change)
1%
Maintenance, insurance, property tax, building costs, as % of the value. You pay them whether it’s empty or rented.
20%
Depends on the country and the type of contract.
1
5%
Agency and other costs when you sell.
2%
Net rental yield 2.1% · low
In 15 years, what you’d have, in today’s money:
Keep it empty house value − costs paid€174,067
Rent it out house value + net rent invested in ETFs€289,738
Sell it and invest in ETFs after selling costs€389,500
Selling and investing in ETFs comes out ahead, by about €99,762 over the second option.
Monthly income from today
€347a month from rent, after tax, costs and empty months
€475a month taking 3% a year from the ETFs (the 3% rule)
In today’s money (2% inflation). Rent grows with inflation; investing in ETFs at 7% a year on average, not guaranteed. Taxes on selling the ETFs or the house are not included.
It’s not only about money
More heirs? Every decision needs everyone’s agreement: selling is often the cleanest solution.
Being a landlord is a job: tenants, repairs, late payments, empty months.
Memories matter: a family home can be worth more than its price to you, and that’s fine.
One basket: a house is one asset in one city; ETFs spread your money over thousands of companies.
Taxes to check in your country
Inheritance tax, the tax on rent and the tax when you sell depend on your country, and sometimes on your region. Ask a notary or a tax adviser before deciding.
Taxes change, and they vary. Tax rules change often, sometimes every year, and depend on your country, your region and your own situation. What you read here is a general summary, checked in October 2026: always check the current rules with an accountant or tax adviser before deciding.
Questions
Should I invest everything at once or a little at a time?
Historically, all at once came out ahead about 2 times out of 3, because markets rise more often than they fall. Spreading it over 6–12 months costs a little on average but protects you from bad timing and is easier to live with.
Is it better to keep the house or sell it?
If the net rent is low compared with the value of the house (under 3–4% a year), selling and investing in ETFs often comes out ahead, with no tenants to manage. If the house rents well, or it means a lot to you, keeping it can make sense.
What if I need the money in a few years?
Keep that part in a savings deposit. Only invest in ETFs money you won’t need for at least 10 years.
Next: your first plan for investing in ETFs
Answer 3 questions and get a one-page plan: how much to keep in the bank, how much to invest in ETFs each month and how to set it up.
Not financial or tax advice. Educational estimates with constant average returns. Investing in ETFs can lose money; house prices and rents can fall too. Talk to a notary or a qualified adviser about your inheritance.
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