If you’ve inherited a property, one of the first questions that comes up is whether you can sell it straight away, or whether you have to wait for probate first. Here’s a plain-English guide to the process.
Can you sell before probate is granted?
You can market a property before probate is granted, but you can’t complete the sale until it is. Probate is the legal process that confirms the executor’s authority to deal with the deceased’s estate, including selling property. You, or the executor, can list the property, accept an offer, and even exchange contracts in some cases before probate comes through, but the sale cannot legally complete until the grant of probate is in hand.
How long does probate take?
In practice, probate in England and Wales is commonly taking several months from application to grant, sometimes longer if the estate is complex or HMRC needs to process inheritance tax first. That’s a long time to be responsible for an empty property, covering insurance, security, maintenance, and council tax, often while also managing your own grief and the rest of the estate.
Where a cash buyer fits in
Because a cash buyer like Evian Premier Property Solutions isn’t relying on a mortgage or a chain of other buyers and sellers, we can agree a firm offer and be ready to complete the moment probate is granted, rather than only starting to look for a buyer once probate comes through. We also buy the property as-is, so there’s no need to clear the house, arrange repairs, or manage viewings of a property that may hold difficult memories.
What to do next
If you’re an executor or beneficiary dealing with an inherited property, it’s worth getting a cash offer estimate early, even before probate is granted, so you know your options and can move the moment you’re legally able to. There’s no obligation, and no cost to find out. Call us on 07463 555549 or use the online estimator above.