Give from assets
Real estate
Proposing a gift of property for the organization's review under its gift acceptance policy.
Understand the route
How this gift works
A real-estate gift is a proposal that needs acceptance and legal review before any deed transfer. The recipient must understand the property, liabilities, likely use or sale and costs of ownership. A conversation can begin with a general description; it should not begin by recording a deed in the charity’s name.
Background: IRS: valuing donated property IRS: Form 8283 instructions Fidelity Charitable: case-by-case complex-asset policies
Who does what
- You disclose the property and engage your own advisors.
- The organization decides whether to review and accept the proposal.
- Counsel and closing specialists prepare an agreed transfer after diligence.
These guides describe giving in the U.S. The receiving organization’s policies and your provider’s current instructions set the actual process.
Who this may fit
Owners of property the organization may be able to accept after review.
Before you begin
Gather these details before starting the process. You do not need to have every answer before talking with the organization.
Check off the details you have ready. This checklist stays here while this page is open.
0 of 4 details ready
The route at a glance
- Ask the organization whether it reviews real estate gifts.
- Share general property information for an early review; no documents are needed to start.
- Work with the organization's counsel and your own advisers before any transfer.
From intention to confirmation
The process, step by step
Step 1 of 5
Request an initial review
Ask whether the organization reviews real-estate gifts and which types. Share a general outline with an authorized contact before sending sensitive documents.
Clarify the proposal
State whether you propose the whole property, a partial interest or another arrangement. Discuss occupation, restrictions or expectations explicitly; these are not minor details.
Agree on diligence
Ask counsel to identify the necessary title, debt, lease, condition, environmental and marketability reviews. Agree who supplies documents and pays each cost.
Arrange independent advice
Discuss valuation, appraisal and tax reporting with your own qualified professionals. Raise any proposed sale or debt before committing to a structure.
Close only after acceptance
Proceed through the agreed legal and closing process after written acceptance. Confirm recording, possession, responsibility for ongoing costs and the organization’s acknowledgment.
These steps keep your place in the guide. Confirm progress with the organization and provider.
Make the next conversation easier.
Choose who you are speaking with. Copy these questions into your own message, or bring them to a call.
Nothing is sent from this page. Review the wording before sharing. Use the organization’s secure process for private documents.
Browse every question by contact
Ask the organization
- Do you accept real estate, and what does review involve?
- Who covers title, appraisal, and inspection costs?
Ask the provider
- Which specialist will handle diligence and closing?
Ask your advisor
- What documentation and valuation will I need?
- Are there liens, environmental, or tax considerations?
Confirm it. Keep the records.
Confirm the accepted transfer was legally completed and the recipient received the agreed interest. Keep the closing and acknowledgment records together.
- Written acceptance and agreed gift conditions.
- Executed transfer and recorded closing documents.
- Appraisal, cost records, acknowledgment and required tax documentation.
Important distinctions
- Debt, shared ownership or a planned sale can change the analysis. Do not sign or record a transfer without counsel’s review.
- An organization may decline a property even if it has substantial value. Review costs and potential liabilities matter.
Check the applicable rules: IRS: valuing donated property IRS: Form 8283 instructions Fidelity Charitable: case-by-case complex-asset policies
A few more useful answers
Do I need an appraisal before the first call?
Ask what is needed for initial screening. A preliminary conversation can start with a description; a tax appraisal has separate requirements and timing.
Can I keep living in the property?
That is a separate legal arrangement, not an assumption within an outright gift. Ask counsel and the organization whether such a proposal will be considered.
Read the sources
Sources checked October 9, 2026. IRS references describe U.S. rules. Named organizations and providers are examples of their own processes; each organization sets its own policy.
- IRS: valuing donated property
- IRS: Form 8283 instructions
- Fidelity Charitable: case-by-case complex-asset policies
Before acting, confirm current instructions with the recipient and relevant provider. Discuss personal tax, legal and financial questions with your own advisor.