My parents want to sell their house to my sister at a discount. Am I losing part of my inheritance? VANESSA STOYKOV

A couple planning to downsize may sell their home to their daughter for less than its market value, leaving her siblings concerned the discount will reduce their inheritance. The advice is that the parents can decide how to use their assets, but clear communication may help prevent the decision from creating lasting family tension.

An independent valuation would establish the home’s market price, after which the family can clarify whether the discount is a gift, a loan or an advance on inheritance. The parents should document their intentions and seek independent legal and financial advice, as well as check tax and transfer costs; in Australia, a below-market family transfer may still be treated as a market-value sale for capital gains tax.