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Applying for Probate
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Step-by-Step Guide
How to Apply for Probate Online

In England and Wales, you can apply for a Grant of Probate online through the government's official probate service (apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk). Here is exactly what you need to do.

01

Value the Estate

Before you can apply, you must value every asset in the estate at the date of death — property, bank accounts, investments, personal possessions and any debts.

  • Get a formal probate valuation for the property
  • Contact banks and financial institutions for balances
  • List all debts — mortgage, loans, credit cards
02

Complete the IHT Forms

Report the estate to HMRC before applying for probate. Even if no Inheritance Tax is due, you must still report the estate using the correct form.

  • IHT205 — for estates under £325,000 (simple estates)
  • IHT400 — for larger or more complex estates
  • IHT must be paid within 6 months of death
03

Apply Online via the Government Probate Service

Once IHT is dealt with, apply online at the government's official probate service for private individuals at apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk. You will need the original will, death certificate and your IHT reference number.

  • Apply at: apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk — the official service for private individuals
  • An application fee is payable for estates over £5,000 — check the current fee at gov.uk as this changes periodically
  • Current wait: 14–20 weeks from submission
04

Send Original Documents

After submitting online, you must post the original will and death certificate to the Probate Registry. They will not be returned, so keep certified copies first.

05

Receive the Grant

Once the Probate Registry processes your application, they issue the Grant of Probate. This is the legal document that gives you authority to deal with the estate — including selling the property.

06

Administer the Estate

With the Grant in hand, you can access bank accounts, sell the property, pay debts and distribute the estate to beneficiaries according to the will.

Important — The Inheritance Tax Deadline

Inheritance Tax must be paid to HMRC within 6 months of the date of death — even if probate has not been granted and even if the property has not yet sold. Missing this deadline results in HMRC charging interest. Our solicitor can advise on payment arrangements and how to plan ahead from day one.

Your Options
DIY Probate vs Using a Solicitor

Both routes are valid — the right choice depends on the complexity of the estate and your confidence with legal paperwork.

Applying for Probate Yourself (DIY)

  • No solicitor fees — you pay only the Probate Registry fee (the current application fee)
  • Can be done entirely online via government's official probate service
  • Straightforward for simple estates with a valid will
  • You are personally liable for any mistakes made
  • HMRC forms can be complex — especially IHT400
  • Disputes, missing beneficiaries or complex assets are difficult to handle alone
  • Any errors delay the process significantly
  • Best for simple estates with clear assets and no disputes
Inherited Property

Need to Sell the Property Subject to Probate?

You do not have to wait for probate to be granted before starting the sale process. You can agree a sale subject to probate — meaning everything is prepared and ready to complete the moment the Grant arrives.

Probate Property Buyers Limited buys inherited properties directly for cash, subject to probate. We agree a purchase price now, handle all legal groundwork, and complete within 7–28 days of your Grant of Probate being issued. Zero fees to you. 100% guaranteed sale.

  • Agree a cash price before probate is granted
  • Our independent solicitor can assist with the probate application
  • Complete in as little as 7 days once probate is granted
  • Any property, any condition, anywhere in England and Wales
  • Zero fees — no estate agent commission, no legal costs
  • Tenanted properties and complex estates welcome
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Common Questions
Probate Online — FAQ
Can I apply for probate online myself?
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Yes. In England and Wales you can apply for a Grant of Probate online via the government's official probate service (apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk) at apply-for-probate.service.gov.uk. You will need the original will, death certificate and your HMRC Inheritance Tax reference number. The application fee is the current application fee for estates over £5,000. DIY probate is entirely possible for simple estates — but for complex estates, large IHT liabilities or family disputes, professional legal help is strongly recommended.
How long does it take to get a Grant of Probate?
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From the date your application is submitted to the Probate Registry, you should allow 14–20 weeks for the Grant to be issued. Before you can apply, you need to value the estate and sort out HMRC — typically another 4–12 weeks. In total, most families receive the Grant of Probate around 6–12 months after the date of death. Errors on the application or missing documents will cause further delays.
Can I sell the property before probate is granted?
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Yes — and this is one of the most important things executors should know. You can market the property, receive offers and agree a sale subject to probate before the Grant is issued. You cannot legally complete the sale until the Grant is in your hands — but having everything agreed in advance means you can complete within days of it arriving.

Probate Property Buyers Limited specialises in exactly this — buying subject to probate, completing in 7–28 days, with zero fees to you and a 100% guaranteed sale. Visit their website here →
What if there is no will?
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If the deceased left no valid will, they are said to have died intestate. Instead of applying for Grant of Probate, the closest living relative applies for Letters of Administration — but the process is similar. The intestacy rules determine who inherits. Unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit, regardless of how long the relationship lasted. Our solicitor can advise on intestacy situations at no initial cost.
How much does it cost to apply for probate online?
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The Probate Registry application fee is the current application fee for estates valued at £5,000 or more. There is no fee for estates under £5,000. If you use a solicitor, their fees are in addition to this — but our solicitor offers a free initial consultation so you can understand costs before committing to anything. Additional copies of the Grant cost £1.50 each — order several as you will need them for banks and other institutions.
Is this the official government probate website?
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No. Probate-Online.co.uk is a private commercial website operated by Probate Property Buyers Limited (Company No. 17094262). We are not affiliated with HMCTS, the Probate Registry, HMRC or any government body. For the official government probate application portal, visit gov.uk/wills-probate-inheritance. We offer free independent guidance and access to an SRA-registered solicitor as a private commercial service.

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Sell the Property

Get a Free Cash Offer for the Property

Sell subject to probate. We agree a price now and complete within 7–28 days of your Grant being issued. Zero fees. 100% guaranteed.

  • Cash offer within 24 hours
  • Zero fees to the seller
  • Complete in 7–28 days
  • 100% guaranteed sale
Get a Free Cash Offer →
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All services are provided by Probate Property Buyers Limited (Co. No. 17094262). The solicitor consultation is with an independent SRA-registered solicitor — initial consultation is free, any further legal work is separately quoted.