How to Sell a Funeral Plot: The Official Process

Selling a funeral plot is a common decision for individuals or families with unused interment rights. Circumstances change, and a plot purchased years ago may no longer align with current needs. Understanding the official process for selling these assets is important for an efficient transaction. This guide covers the necessary steps, from gathering information to transferring ownership.

Gathering Plot Information

Before offering a funeral plot for sale, collect all relevant documentation. The original deed or certificate of ownership serves as primary proof of your right to the plot. This document contains identifying information like the plot number, section, and cemetery name. Confirm cemetery ownership records align with your deed.

Contacting the cemetery directly is key to understanding their rules for resales and transfers. Cemeteries often have policies regarding who can purchase plots and the transfer process. Inquire about transfer fees, which can range from $100 to $350 for processing paperwork and issuing a new certificate. Clarify if the plot allows for “double-depth” internment (two burials), which can enhance its value.

Understand any perpetual care or maintenance fees linked to the plot, as these ongoing costs may transfer to the new owner. Perpetual care fees, typically a one-time charge, often range from 5% to 15% of the initial price and cover general upkeep.

Assessing Market Value

Determining a reasonable asking price involves evaluating several factors that influence a funeral plot’s market value. Plot location within the cemetery plays a significant role; desirable sections or specific features often command higher prices. Availability of new plots directly from the cemetery also impacts resale value; limited inventory makes private sales more competitive. Plot type (e.g., single burial space versus double-depth internment) and its maintenance status also contribute to its worth.

Researching comparable sales provides a realistic pricing benchmark. Inquire with the cemetery about recent resale prices for similar plots, though disclosure may vary. Online marketplaces specializing in funeral plot resales offer insights into current asking prices. Some local real estate agents specialize in cemetery plot transactions, offering market trend expertise.

Consider any restrictions or fees imposed by the cemetery that might affect the net sale price, such as transfer fees, which the buyer or seller typically covers. Plot value is subjective and depends on current market demand, which can fluctuate.

Marketing Your Plot

Once plot information is organized and value assessed, market the plot to potential buyers. Online marketplaces and dedicated funeral plot resale websites effectively reach a broad audience. These platforms connect buyers and sellers of cemetery property, allowing individuals to list plots with details and photos. They offer wider exposure than traditional local methods and may have tools to help set competitive pricing.

Contacting the cemetery directly is also practical, as some cemeteries maintain waiting lists or may assist with resales. While cemeteries may not actively broker private sales, they might have internal procedures or recommendations for owners looking to sell. Local advertising methods, such as community bulletin boards or classified sections in local newspapers, can target buyers within a specific geographic area.

General online classifieds like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can also be effective. If navigating the resale process independently seems challenging, brokers specializing in funeral plot resales can manage the listing and transaction for a fee. An effective listing includes a clear description of the plot, its specific location, any unique features like double-depth capacity, and high-quality photos.

Executing the Transfer of Ownership

Upon finding a buyer, the final phase involves the legal transfer of ownership. This process requires obtaining the necessary transfer documents, often a deed transfer form from the cemetery. While a burial plot is not traditional real estate, the ownership of interment rights is formally documented. The cemetery typically maintains official records for all plots and will require specific paperwork to update their registry.

Signatures on transfer documents may require notarization for authenticity and legal validity. The completed transfer documents must then be submitted to the cemetery for official record updates. Cemeteries usually have specific procedures for processing these transfers and formally recognizing the new owner. A transfer fee, often ranging from $100 to $350, is commonly charged by the cemetery to process this paperwork and issue a new certificate of ownership. Buyer and seller should agree in advance on who will bear this cost, as it can impact the net proceeds for the seller.

Ensuring the cemetery officially recognizes the new owner and issues a new certificate or updated records is an important final step. This confirms the legal transfer of interment rights and protects both parties. When securing payment from the buyer, common methods include cashier’s checks or wire transfers, which offer a secure and traceable transaction. For tax purposes, if the sale price exceeds the original purchase price, any profit may be considered a capital gain and subject to taxation, similar to other capital assets. If the plot was inherited, the cost basis for calculating gain or loss is generally the fair market value at the time of the original owner’s death.