How Long Does Probate Take in the UK?

The short answer

For a straightforward estate — a house, some savings, a pension, a clear will, no disputes — expect around six to twelve months from the date of death to the point where the estate is fully distributed. Some simpler estates settle faster. Complex ones take longer.

The process has distinct stages, each with its own timeline.

Stage 1: Gathering information (weeks 1 to 8)

Before the executor can apply for probate, they need to know the full value of the estate. This means contacting every financial institution where the deceased held money or assets, getting property valuations, and identifying any debts.

Banks and pension providers can be slow to respond. Overseas assets, business interests, or hard-to-value property all add time. If inheritance tax is due, the full IHT account must be completed and submitted to HMRC before the probate application goes in.

Stage 2: Applying for the grant of probate (weeks 6 to 16)

The executor submits the probate application to HM Courts and Tribunals Service along with the original will, the death certificate, and the completed inheritance tax forms. A fee is payable (currently £273 for estates over £5,000, free below that).

HMCTS then issues the grant of probate. Processing times vary. In recent years the courts have experienced significant backlogs, and waits of eight to twelve weeks for the grant are not unusual.

Stage 3: Collecting assets and paying debts (weeks 12 to 30)

Once the grant is issued, the executor can deal with the estate formally — closing accounts, selling property, paying outstanding debts, and settling tax liabilities. Selling a property is usually the longest part of this stage. A straightforward sale might complete in eight to twelve weeks; a difficult one can take much longer.

Stage 4: Distributing the estate (months 6 to 12+)

Once all assets are collected and all debts paid, the executor can distribute what remains to the beneficiaries according to the will. Most executors wait until they are confident there are no further liabilities before making final distributions.

What causes delays

An unclear or contested will is the most common cause of serious delays. A dispute between beneficiaries can put the entire estate on hold for months or years.

Property that is hard to sell, foreign assets, business interests, and missing beneficiaries all add time. So do estates where the deceased had no will — letters of administration take longer to obtain than a standard grant of probate and the process is less certain.

What you can do now

Keeping your will simple and up to date is the single most useful thing you can do for your executor. Name a backup executor. Make sure your executor knows where your will is, has a list of your main assets and accounts, and knows who to contact.

The more your executor has to discover from scratch after you die, the longer probate takes.