# How much does probate cost in the UK?

> Cost of · Content updated 25 September 2026

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## In short

In England and Wales the probate application fee is £526 if the estate is worth more than £5,000, and nothing for smaller estates. Extra copies of the grant cost £2 each when you apply or £16 later. Solicitors' fees are set by each firm, and solicitors must publish their probate prices.

Probate cost depends on whether you apply yourself or use a solicitor or probate specialist. Applying yourself costs the court fee plus your time; complex estates (businesses, foreign assets, Inheritance Tax) often justify professional help. Scotland uses confirmation, with its own court fees.

Typical range: 0–526 £ (court fee in England and Wales)

## What makes up the cost

| Item | Range | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Probate application fee (England & Wales, estate over £5,000) | £526 |  |
| Probate application fee (estate of £5,000 or less) | £0 |  |
| Extra copies of the grant | £2 each with the application; £16 each later |  |
| Inheritance Tax (IHT) — Nil-Rate Band | £325,000 (frozen to April 2031) |  |
| Residence Nil-Rate Band | Up to £175,000 (on home passing to direct descendants) |  |
| IHT rate above thresholds | 40% (36% if 10%+ to charity) |  |
| Solicitor or probate specialist | Set by the firm | Solicitors must publish probate prices under the SRA Transparency Rules |

## What changes the figure

- Estate value and complexity (foreign assets, businesses, multiple properties)
- Whether IHT is payable
- Number of beneficiaries and any disputes
- Whether the will is straightforward

## Ways to spend less

- Solicitors must publish price information for uncontested probate, so compare firms' published prices before you ask for quotes
- Banks and building societies set their own limits for releasing money without a grant — ask each one what it needs
- Inheritance Tax on land or qualifying business assets can be paid in up to 10 annual instalments under HMRC rules

## Frequently asked questions

### When isn't probate needed?

Often when the estate is small, when property and money were owned jointly and pass to the surviving owner, or when each bank agrees to release money without a grant. Each organisation sets its own limit.

### Who pays the probate fee?

It's paid from the estate, usually by the executor. The executor can be reimbursed if they advance it. Help with Fees (EX160) may reduce the fee on low income.

### Is it cheaper to use a solicitor on a percentage fee?

It depends on the estate. Ask each firm for a written estimate on the same basis — fixed, hourly or percentage — so you can compare like with like.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Applying for probate: fees](https://www.gov.uk/applying-for-probate/apply-for-probate)
- [HMRC — Inheritance Tax thresholds](https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax)
- [HM Treasury — Budget 2025 rates and allowances](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2025-overview-of-tax-legislation-and-rates-ootlar/annex-a-rates-and-allowances)
- [SRA — Transparency Rules](https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/standards-regulations/transparency-rules/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.