These guides explain what probate property is, how the process works, what it costs, and how to sell an inherited home in the UK. They are written for executors and beneficiaries who have not done this before, and each one answers a single question directly rather than burying the answer in narrative.
Explore our guides
Which guide should you start with?
Start with whichever question is actually in front of you. Each guide stands on its own, so there is no required order.
GuideCan you sell a property before probate is granted?
What you can and cannot do with an inherited property before the grant of probate is issued, and what that means for your timeline.
GuideHow do the three ways to sell an inherited property compare?
Estate agent, auction or specialist buyer, the advantages and disadvantages of each way to sell an inherited property, compared side by side.
GuideHow long does selling a probate property take, step by step?
What actually happens between a death and the completed sale of an inherited property, how long each stage takes, and where the delays come from.
GuideHow much inheritance tax will an estate pay?
Estimate the inheritance tax due on a UK estate using the current thresholds, and see what the figure does and does not account for.
GuideShould you keep or sell an inherited property?
An even-handed comparison of the three ways to sell an inherited property, including when selling to a specialist buyer is the wrong answer.
GuideWhat does an executor actually have to do?
Seven phases and around 120 actions for an executor selling an inherited property, with the documents each phase needs and how to know it is done.
GuideWhat does an inherited property actually cost?
The real costs of holding an inherited property during probate, insurance, maintenance, council tax, utilities and the cost of an empty house.
GuideWhat is probate property?
What probate property means, how an inherited home is handled during estate administration, and who is responsible for it.
Tools
Which tools can work something out for you?
Two of these do the thinking with you rather than explaining it.
- What does an executor actually have to do?
Seven phases and around 120 actions, in the order they come up, with the documents each one needs and a line telling you when it is finished. Tick it off as you go, or download the PDF and work through it on paper.
- What should you do with the property?
Deciding what to do with an inherited property is rarely straightforward. Six questions about the property, the estate and what matters most to you, with a clear answer at the end.
- What inheritance tax will the estate pay?
Enter what the estate is worth and answer two questions. It applies the current thresholds, including the residence allowance and the transferable spouse allowance, and states what it cannot account for.
Work through the executor’s checklist phase by phase, decide what to do with the property, or estimate the inheritance tax the estate is likely to owe. None of them asks for anything until you want it to.
If you would rather we did the working, ask for a report on the property. And if you are not sure which question you are asking yet, your options for an inherited property is the shortest way in.
For executors
What do executors specifically need to know?
Executors carry significant responsibility when managing inherited property. These guides cover executor responsibilities, property maintenance during probate, selling inherited homes, and managing estate assets.
You can also read what an executor is responsible for in full, including when selling directly is and is not in the estate’s interest.
Quick answers
Where can you find answers to common questions?
Many executors and beneficiaries share the same questions about inherited homes and probate responsibilities. The probate property FAQ answers them in one place, and the glossary defines the terms you will meet along the way.
Real examples
What do real probate property sales look like?
Real examples help families understand how inherited property decisions unfold in practice. Our case studies show how executors and beneficiaries have navigated these situations, including the ones that went wrong before they reached us.
Talk to us
What if you want to talk to someone?
If you are managing a probate property and want to explore your options, we can help you understand the paths forward. You can request a call or speak to a specialist directly, there is no obligation.
Talk through your options