How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK?

How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK?

When you're dealing with probate after losing someone, the last thing you want is a surprise bill. Understanding what probate actually costs — and where those costs come from — helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary spending.

This guide breaks down every fee you're likely to encounter, from the court application to solicitor charges, so you know exactly where your money goes.

The Probate Application Fee

The main cost you'll face is the probate court fee. As of 2026, the fee for applying for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there's no will) is £300. This is a flat fee regardless of the estate's value.

If the estate is valued at £5,000 or less, there is no fee to pay.

You can also order additional sealed copies of the grant at £1.50 each. It's worth ordering several — banks, building societies and the Land Registry will each need to see a copy, and having extras saves time.

Cost	Amount
Probate application fee	£300
Estates under £5,000	£0
Extra sealed copies	£1.50 each

Solicitor Fees for Probate

You don't have to use a solicitor for probate — many people handle it themselves, especially for straightforward estates. But if the estate is complex, involves property, or you're unsure about the process, professional help can be worthwhile.

Solicitor costs vary widely depending on the approach:

Fixed Fee

Some solicitors offer a fixed fee for handling the full probate process. This typically ranges from £1,500 to £5,000 depending on the estate's complexity. A fixed fee gives you certainty, which can be reassuring.

Percentage of the Estate

Other solicitors charge a percentage of the estate's total value, usually between 1% and 5%. For a £300,000 estate, that could mean anything from £3,000 to £15,000. Always ask for a written estimate before agreeing to this arrangement.

Hourly Rate

Some firms charge by the hour, typically £150 to £400 per hour depending on their location and seniority. This can add up quickly if the estate takes longer than expected to settle.

Charging method	Typical range
Fixed fee	£1,500–£5,000
Percentage of estate	1%–5% of value
Hourly rate	£150–£400/hour

DIY Probate: What It Costs to Do It Yourself

If the estate is relatively simple — perhaps one property, a few bank accounts and no disputes — you may be able to handle probate yourself. In that case, your costs could be as low as:

• £300 for the probate application
• £5–£10 for extra sealed copies
• Your time (and patience)

The government's online probate service has made DIY applications more accessible than ever. You apply through GOV.UK, and the process is reasonably straightforward for uncomplicated estates.

Tools like GetPassage can help you stay organised throughout the process, tracking what needs doing and generating the letters you'll need to send to banks, utilities and other organisations — all for free.

Inheritance Tax: The Biggest Cost of All

Probate fees are modest compared to the potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill. IHT is charged at 40% on the portion of an estate that exceeds the nil-rate band of £325,000 (or up to £500,000 if a home is passed to direct descendants).

IHT isn't technically a probate cost — it's a tax on the estate — but it's paid during the probate process, often before the grant is issued. For larger estates, this can run into tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

If you think IHT might apply, it's worth getting professional advice early. The rules around reliefs, exemptions and transferable allowances can significantly reduce the bill.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Beyond the obvious fees, there are several costs that can catch executors off guard:

• Valuations: Property valuations for probate purposes can cost £150–£500. Some estate agents will provide a free market appraisal, but HMRC may require a formal RICS valuation for higher-value properties.
• Asset searches: If you're not sure what the deceased owned, an asset search service costs around £100–£300.
• Bankruptcy searches: A prudent step before distributing the estate, costing around £2 per search.
• Deed of variation: If beneficiaries want to redirect their inheritance (for tax reasons or otherwise), legal fees for drafting this can be £300–£1,000.
• Property maintenance: If the deceased owned a home, you'll need to keep paying council tax, insurance and utilities until the property is sold or transferred. This can add up over months.

How to Keep Probate Costs Down

Here are practical ways to reduce what you spend:

1. Do it yourself if the estate is simple — the online application is free beyond the £300 court fee
2. Get multiple solicitor quotes — prices vary enormously for the same work
3. Ask for a fixed fee — avoid percentage-based charging where possible
4. Order enough sealed copies upfront — reordering later costs more in time and hassle
5. Stay organised — delays cost money, especially if there's a property sitting empty
6. Check if your bank offers free probate support — some banks help with the process for estates held with them

When Is Professional Help Worth the Money?

Consider paying for a solicitor when:

• The estate includes property in more than one country
• There's no will and multiple potential beneficiaries
• Someone is likely to contest the will
• The estate is above the IHT threshold
• There are business assets, trusts, or complex investments
• You simply don't have the time or confidence to manage it yourself

There's no shame in getting help. Probate can be stressful at the best of times, and doing it while grieving makes everything harder.

Summary

For a straightforward estate, probate can cost as little as £300 plus your time. With solicitor help, expect to pay £2,000–£5,000 for most estates. Complex or high-value estates with IHT obligations will cost significantly more.

The key is knowing your options, getting quotes in writing, and not paying for help you don't need. Whatever route you choose, being informed about the costs means one less source of worry during an already difficult period.