Inherited property
How long does probate take?
Probate in England & Wales follows a clear set of steps. Add the date of death and your situation to see the timeline and the key deadlines that matter.
- England & Wales
- Step-by-step
What you'll see
- The full probate sequence
- The 5-day and IHT deadlines
- When you can sell the property
- A fast-sale route once the grant is in
1. Register the death
Within 5 daysRegister within 5 days and get the death certificate (order several copies).
2. Find the will & value the estate
Weeks 1–6Locate the will and identify the executor; value property, savings, debts.
3. Apply for grant of probate
After valuation / IHTSubmit the application to the Probate Registry. The grant is the legal authority to deal with the estate.
4. Grant issued
~8–16 weeksTypical wait is around 8–16 weeks once submitted, depending on backlog and complexity.
5. Sell the property & distribute
After the grantWith the grant you can sell the home and distribute the estate. A cash sale completes fast once you’re ready.
Guide only. Probate timescales vary widely; the Probate Registry backlog and estate complexity both matter. Not legal advice.
Selling the home after probate?
Once the grant is in, a cash sale completes in days — no chain, no fees. Run a free Cash Offer Check to line it up.
Get cash offer- No fees
- No lock-in
- Offer-lock in writing
- A funded buyer
Thinking of selling?
See what a cash sale would net you
A fair, no-obligation cash offer in days — no fees, no lock-in. Weigh it against the open market before you decide.