How to resell your artworks?
Do you wish to resell an artwork you have received or purchased? There are several options available to you, such as auction houses or private sale. At Artsper, we also offer our collectors the possibility to resell an artwork under certain conditions. Let's explore the different possibilities.
Valuing an artwork
Before reselling an artwork, it is a good idea to seek an expert’s advice to find out its exact value and possibilities. In partnership with Artsper, you can have your work valued within 48 hours by clicking here.
Reselling an artwork on Artsper
As a private seller, you can resell an artwork on our site that was acquired in a gallery or on Artsper if the following criteria are met:
- The artist is already exhibited on Artsper. You can verify this information by typing the artist's name in the search bar on Artsper or by consulting the list of all our artists.
- The initial price of the work is between 800€ and 25 000€ and you have the certificate of authenticity and the purchase invoice.
- The work is in perfect condition and it is a unique copy or a numbered and limited edition (300 copies maximum).
- Design objects and works dating before 1950 are not accepted for resale.
Each work is carefully checked by our moderation service before publication, and you can freely propose your works by following this form. If you are not a private individual but a professional (artist or gallery), we invite you to submit your application to exhibit your works on Artsper.
Reselling a work at auction
To sell your work in an auction house, it is necessary to make arrangements 2 or 3 months in advance, because the appraisal of the work can take a long time. Each major auction house has a free appraisal service. In recent years, physical auctions have always been accompanied by an online sales service to increase your chances and reach foreign buyers.
Over the counter (galleries and dealers)
In the case of a private sale, you entrust your artwork to a gallery or an art dealer who finds a buyer on their side. Sometimes they will buy the work from you to resell it themselves, which offers you a better guarantee. These intermediaries offer their services in exchange for a commission on the selling price.
Taxation on the resale of an artwork
The taxation on the resale of an artwork differs depending on how long ago you acquired the work.
- If you have been the owner for less than 12 years, or if you do not have proof of the date of purchase, the resale will be subject to the current flat rate tax (see next paragraph)
- If you have the date, description and original purchase price, and you have owned the item for 12 years or more, you will be taxed according to the common law system. If you resell your work and do not realize any capital gain, or a capital loss, then you are exempt from any deduction. The system of capital gains on movable property is applied in case of a capital gain. The latter offers you a reduction of 5% the first year and 10% from the second year of ownership, that is to say a total exemption after 12 years. Before these 22 years, the capital gain is taxed at 19% (+ social security contributions). You are exempt from this tax if the transfer is to a museum, a library or a local authority.
- If you have all of the information about your work, you can choose between the two offers according to which is the most advantageous!
Flat tax
If the value of your work does not exceed €5,000 in customs, then you are exempt from this tax. Otherwise, this tax is equivalent to 6% of the sale price.
Artist’s resale rights
During the 70 years following the artist's death, a share of the resale price of the artwork is paid to the artist's successors or beneficiaries.
Valuing an artwork
Before reselling an artwork, it is a good idea to seek an expert’s advice to find out its exact value and possibilities. In partnership with Artsper, you can have your work valued within 48 hours by clicking here.
Reselling an artwork on Artsper
As a private seller, you can resell an artwork on our site that was acquired in a gallery or on Artsper if the following criteria are met:
- The artist is already exhibited on Artsper. You can verify this information by typing the artist's name in the search bar on Artsper or by consulting the list of all our artists.
- The initial price of the work is between 800€ and 25 000€ and you have the certificate of authenticity and the purchase invoice.
- The work is in perfect condition and it is a unique copy or a numbered and limited edition (300 copies maximum).
- Design objects and works dating before 1950 are not accepted for resale.
Each work is carefully checked by our moderation service before publication, and you can freely propose your works by following this form. If you are not a private individual but a professional (artist or gallery), we invite you to submit your application to exhibit your works on Artsper.
Reselling a work at auction
To sell your work in an auction house, it is necessary to make arrangements 2 or 3 months in advance, because the appraisal of the work can take a long time. Each major auction house has a free appraisal service. In recent years, physical auctions have always been accompanied by an online sales service to increase your chances and reach foreign buyers.
Over the counter (galleries and dealers)
In the case of a private sale, you entrust your artwork to a gallery or an art dealer who finds a buyer on their side. Sometimes they will buy the work from you to resell it themselves, which offers you a better guarantee. These intermediaries offer their services in exchange for a commission on the selling price.
Taxation on the resale of an artwork
The taxation on the resale of an artwork differs depending on how long ago you acquired the work.
- If you have been the owner for less than 12 years, or if you do not have proof of the date of purchase, the resale will be subject to the current flat rate tax (see next paragraph)
- If you have the date, description and original purchase price, and you have owned the item for 12 years or more, you will be taxed according to the common law system. If you resell your work and do not realize any capital gain, or a capital loss, then you are exempt from any deduction. The system of capital gains on movable property is applied in case of a capital gain. The latter offers you a reduction of 5% the first year and 10% from the second year of ownership, that is to say a total exemption after 12 years. Before these 22 years, the capital gain is taxed at 19% (+ social security contributions). You are exempt from this tax if the transfer is to a museum, a library or a local authority.
- If you have all of the information about your work, you can choose between the two offers according to which is the most advantageous!
Flat tax
If the value of your work does not exceed €5,000 in customs, then you are exempt from this tax. Otherwise, this tax is equivalent to 6% of the sale price.
Artist’s resale rights
During the 70 years following the artist's death, a share of the resale price of the artwork is paid to the artist's successors or beneficiaries.