UK Probate Threshold 2026: Do I Need Probate?
What You Need to Know
You need probate if the estate is worth over £5,000-£50,000 (threshold varies by institution) or includes property, shares, or complex assets. Joint assets, small bank accounts, and pensions with named beneficiaries typically don't require probate. Each bank, insurer, and asset holder sets their own threshold for releasing funds without probate.
- Property (sole ownership): Always requires probate, regardless of value
- Bank accounts: Threshold usually £15,000-£50,000 (HSBC £50K, smaller banks £15K)
- Shares and investments: Usually require probate regardless of value
- Insurance payouts: Threshold £5,000-£15,000 depending on insurer
- Pensions: Often no probate needed if beneficiary was nominated
- Joint assets: Pass automatically to survivor, no probate needed
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UK Probate Threshold by Institution 2026
| Asset Type | Threshold | Probate Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Property (sole ownership) | Any value | Always required |
| HSBC bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Barclays bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Lloyds bank accounts | Up to £50,000 | Not required |
| Smaller banks | Up to £15,000-£25,000 | Varies by bank |
| Shares & investments | Any value | Usually required |
| Life insurance (no nominee) | Over £5,000-£15,000 | Varies by insurer |
| Pensions (nominated beneficiary) | Any value | Not required |
| Joint bank accounts | Any value | Not required |
Thresholds updated January 2026. Always check with specific institution as policies vary.
Contents
When Probate Is Always Required
Before you begin the probate process, you'll need to register the death and gather important documents. Understanding whether probate is required helps you plan the estate administration process efficiently. For comprehensive coverage of all stages, see our complete UK probate guide.
Probate Mandatory If Estate Includes:
If probate is required, you'll need to value the entire estate accurately before applying.
🏠 Property/Real Estate
Any property solely owned by deceased requires probate, regardless of value. You may need to sell the property as part of the estate administration.
📈 Shares & Investments
Stocks, bonds, ISAs, and investment accounts usually require probate regardless of value.
💰 Large Bank Accounts
Individual accounts over £15,000-£50,000 (varies by bank).
⚖️ Complex Situations
Disputed wills, multiple beneficiaries, or significant debts.
Important
Even if individual accounts are below thresholds, the total estate value may push you over probate requirements.
When Probate Is Not Required
No Probate Needed If:
Joint Assets
- Joint bank accounts (automatically transfer to survivor)
- Joint property owned as "joint tenants"
- Joint investments and ISAs
Small Individual Assets
- Bank accounts under institution thresholds
- Total estate value under £5,000
- Only personal possessions and household items
Assets with Named Beneficiaries
- Life insurance with named beneficiary
- Pension schemes with beneficiary designation
- Some workplace death benefits
Assets Held in Trust
- Trust funds where deceased was beneficiary
- Assets held for minors
- Some pension arrangements
Probate Thresholds by Institution
2026 Institutional Thresholds
These are typical thresholds as of 2026 - always check with specific institutions as policies vary.
Major UK Banks
HSBC
£50,000 threshold
Barclays
£50,000 threshold
Lloyds Bank
£50,000 threshold
Nationwide
£50,000 threshold
Santander
£50,000 threshold
NatWest
£50,000 threshold
Building Societies
Yorkshire Building Society
£50,000 threshold
Coventry Building Society
£30,000 threshold
Insurance & Pensions
- Life Insurance: £5,000-£15,000 (if no named beneficiary)
- Workplace Pensions: Often no probate needed if beneficiary named
- State Pension: No probate required (stops automatically)
- Private Pensions: Varies - usually £30,000+ requires probate
Investments
- Stocks & Shares: Usually require probate regardless of value
- ISAs: Usually require probate (except for surviving spouse transfers)
- Premium Bonds: £50,000 threshold with NS&I
- Government Bonds: Usually require probate
Always Check First
Thresholds change and vary by institution. Always contact them directly to confirm their current probate requirements before assuming you don't need it. For official guidance, see GOV.UK's probate guidance.
How to Calculate Estate Value
Step-by-Step Calculation
1. List All Assets
Include:
- Property (market value)
- Bank accounts (all balances)
- Investments & shares
- Life insurance payouts
- Pension funds
- Personal possessions over £500
- Business interests
- Debts owed to deceased
Exclude:
- Joint assets (unless tenants in common)
- Assets held in trust
- Pensions with named beneficiaries
- Life insurance with named beneficiaries
2. Subtract Debts
- Outstanding mortgage
- Credit card debts
- Personal loans
- Utility bills
- Funeral expenses
- Income tax owed
3. Calculate Net Estate
Net Estate = Total Assets - Total Debts
If net estate is over probate thresholds, you'll likely need probate.
Example Calculation
Assets:
- House: £250,000
- Bank account: £15,000
- Pension: £30,000 (no named beneficiary)
- Personal items: £5,000
- Total Assets: £300,000
Debts:
- Mortgage: £150,000
- Credit cards: £3,000
- Funeral: £4,000
- Total Debts: £157,000
Net Estate: £143,000 → Probate Required
Important Exceptions
Property Ownership Types
- Joint Tenants: Property transfers automatically to survivor (no probate)
- Tenants in Common: Deceased's share forms part of estate (probate needed)
- Check property deeds to determine ownership type
Spouse Exemptions
- Surviving spouse can inherit ISAs without probate
- Some pension schemes transfer automatically to spouse
- Joint accounts become sole property immediately
Small Estate Procedures
- Some banks accept statutory declarations for small amounts
- Funeral expenses can be paid before probate
- Government benefits may be available for small estates
When in Doubt
If you're unsure whether you need probate, most institutions will give you a definitive answer when you contact them with estate details. It's better to check than assume.
Scotland vs England & Wales
England & Wales
- Process called "probate"
- Grant of probate or letters of administration
- Probate Registry handles applications
- Thresholds as listed above
Scotland
- Process called "confirmation"
- Grant of confirmation from Sheriff Court
- Similar thresholds but different process
- May need inventory of estate
Key Point
The thresholds are similar, but the legal process differs. If the estate is in Scotland, you'll apply for "confirmation" rather than "probate".
What If I Do Need Probate?
Don't Panic - Here's What Happens Next
The probate process involves several stages from application to distribution. For comprehensive guidance on each stage, see our complete guide to probate in the UK.
1. Apply for Probate
Complete PA1P form (with will) or PA1A form (without will) and submit to Probate Registry.
2. Pay Application Fee
£273 court fee plus £1.50 for each official copy you need.
3. Wait for Grant
Usually takes 8-12 weeks for straightforward cases.
4. Collect Assets
Use grant of probate to close accounts, sell property, and distribute estate.
DIY Probate
- Suitable for straightforward estates
- Costs £273 + copy fees
- Takes time but saves money
- Government guidance available online
Professional Help
- Recommended for complex estates
- Solicitor fees: 1-5% of estate value
- Probate specialists available
- Includes legal protection
Quick Probate Checker
Answer these questions:
If you answered "yes" to questions 1-4, you likely need probate.
If only question 5 is "yes", you may not need probate.
Need Help with Probate?
Get Your Free Probate Checklist
Understanding probate thresholds is just the beginning. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the entire probate process, step by step.
- Complete probate threshold calculator
- Step-by-step application process
- Required documents checklist
- Timeline and cost breakdown
- When to get professional help
- Template letters for asset collection
Related Guides
When You Don't Need Probate
Exemptions and small estate procedures explained
Applying for Probate
Step-by-step guide to the probate application process
Probate Checklist
Complete checklist for before and after applying for probate
Finding the Will
Where to search and what to do if you can't find it
Inheritance Tax Basics
Understanding IHT requirements and thresholds
IHT Thresholds Frozen Until 2030
How frozen thresholds pull more estates into IHT
Notifying Banks After Death
How to contact banks and access estate funds
Complete Probate Guide UK 2026
Comprehensive overview of the entire probate process
Valuing an Estate for Probate
How to accurately value assets including property, investments and personal possessions
Executor Responsibilities
Complete guide to executor duties from probate application to estate distribution