Inherited a property? Take it one step at a time.

Start with authority to sell

Being a beneficiary does not automatically mean you can sell an estate property. Identify the personal representative and ask the estate’s solicitor whether a grant of probate or letters of administration is needed. GOV.UK explains how to check whether probate is required. Check the probate guidance.

Build a practical picture

Gather what you already have: the address, ownership details, any mortgage information, occupancy, known repairs and your role in the estate. You do not need to know every answer before making an initial enquiry.

• Ask the insurer what cover and inspection arrangements apply if the home is empty.
• Agree access and decisions with the other people authorised to act.
• Keep personal papers and valuables secure before taking photographs.

Compare the routes without rushing

You could explore an estate agent, an auction or a direct buyer. Compare likely net proceeds, preparation, fees and the timetable each route depends on. Do not assume that a faster offer removes the need for estate administration or legal checks.

An inherited home does not necessarily need a full renovation before you explore a sale. Ask for an as-is assessment and compare it with the cost and time of any work you are considering.

What happens to an enquiry?

Tell us about the property and your role in the estate. We’ll review the details and explain any information we need. If we make an offer, you’ll receive the price and conditions in writing, with a timetable that takes the estate’s legal position into account.

An offer is not an estate tax valuation. Ask the estate’s adviser about any reporting and tax consequences of a sale. GOV.UK covers selling estate assets.