Farra is a death administration assistant for UK families. Get step-by-step guidance for registering a death, applying for probate, notifying banks, and managing bereavement admin. From essential documents to practical checklists, Farra simplifies estate paperwork and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.
Must obtain Grant of Probate first—cannot complete sale without it. Timeline: 3-4 months for probate, 3-6 months to sell (6-9 months total). Can market before probate but cannot exchange contracts. Pay capital gains tax 18%/24% on value increase from probate valuation to sale. Costs: agent 1-3%, solicitor £1K-£2K, EPC £60-£120.
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Selling an inherited property involves unique challenges: probate requirements, capital gains tax, multiple beneficiaries, emotional attachments, and urgent timelines. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to sell an inherited house in the UK, from valuation through completion, including tax implications and timing considerations.
Quick Overview
Most inherited property sales require probate. You need Grant of Probate (with will) or Letters of Administration (without will) to prove legal authority to sell. See our detailed guide on applying for probate for step-by-step instructions.
You need probate if:
You can instruct estate agents and market property during probate, but cannot exchange contracts or complete sale until grant received.
You may not need probate if:
Unlike inheritance tax (paid on the estate), capital gains tax (CGT) may be payable by beneficiaries if property value increased between death and sale. For an in-depth look at CGT implications, check our guide to capital gains tax on inherited property.
Baseline value: Property value on date of death (probate valuation)
Sale value: Actual sale price achieved
Taxable gain: Sale price minus date-of-death value minus costs
Example:
Each beneficiary pays CGT on their share of gain (can use personal £3,000 annual allowance 2026/27)
Less time between death and sale = less chance of value increase = less/no CGT. Selling within 6-12 months usually avoids CGT as property values don't rise significantly.
If you lived in inherited property as your main home before selling, claim relief for that period. Can claim relief for final 9 months of ownership automatically. Proportionate relief if lived there part of time.
£3,000 annual exemption per person (2026/27 tax year). Multiple beneficiaries each get own allowance. Transfer assets between spouses before selling (they get separate allowance).
Reduce taxable gain by deducting: estate agent fees, solicitor fees, improvements made before sale (not repairs), probate costs directly related to sale.
When property left to multiple beneficiaries (e.g., three siblings equally), all must agree on sale terms, price, and timing.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estate Agent Fee 1-3% of sale price + VAT | £3,000-£10,000 on £300K property |
| Conveyancing Solicitor Legal work + disbursements | £1,000-£2,000 |
| EPC (Energy Certificate) Required by law | £60-£120 |
| Probate Fee If estate over £5K | £300 |
| Early Repayment Charge If mortgage within fixed term | 0-5% of mortgage balance |
| Capital Gains Tax If value increased | 18-24% of gain |
| Total Typical Costs | £5,000-£15,000+ |
Do you pay Capital Gains Tax on inherited property? CGT rates, Private Residence Relief, lettings relief, CGT allowance, how to calculate CGT on property sale after death.
Can you live in inherited property rent-free? Executor rights, beneficiary occupancy rules, council tax, CGT relief, permission needed, living there during probate.
Inherited property? Decide whether to keep, sell, or rent. Tax implications, CGT, SDLT relief, mortgage options, and step-by-step process.
Inherited property with mortgage? Your options, mortgage liability, taking over payments, selling with mortgage, insurance claims, and tax implications.
Inherited property with tenants? Your landlord obligations, taking over tenancy, deposit protection, rental income tax, selling with tenants, eviction rights.
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