Cost guide
How much does probate cost in the UK?
In short. The HMCTS probate application fee in England & Wales is £300 (estates over £5,000), plus £1.50 per sealed copy. If you use a solicitor for the whole estate, total cost typically lands at 1–5% of the estate's value.
Probate cost depends on whether you do it yourself (DIY) or use a solicitor / probate specialist. DIY is straightforward for simple estates; complex estates (businesses, foreign assets, IHT) usually justify professional help.
Last reviewed:
·Typical range: £300–£25,000 (the probate stage)Typical breakdown
| Item | Typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Probate application fee (England & Wales, estate over £5,000) | £300 | |
| Sealed copies of the grant | £1.50 each | |
| Inheritance Tax (IHT) — Nil-Rate Band | £325,000 (frozen to April 2030) | |
| Residence Nil-Rate Band | Up to £175,000 (on home passing to direct descendants) | |
| IHT rate above thresholds | 40% (36% if 10%+ to charity) | |
| DIY administration (own time only) | £300 + sealed copies + time | |
| Solicitor — fixed fee for grant only | £500–£2,000 | |
| Solicitor — full estate administration | 1–5% of gross estate value |
What changes the cost
- Estate value and complexity (foreign assets, businesses, multiple properties)
- Whether IHT is payable
- Number of beneficiaries and any disputes
- Whether the will is straightforward
Worth knowing
- Solicitor probate fees vary widely; the Law Society publishes guidance on typical price structures
- Many UK banks publish a 'small estates' procedure that pays out without probate up to £25,000–£50,000
- Inheritance Tax on land or qualifying business assets can be paid in up to 10 annual instalments under HMRC rules
FAQ
- When isn't probate needed?
- Small estates (typically under £5,000–£50,000 depending on the bank), property held jointly with a surviving spouse, and certain insurance products often pay out without probate.
- 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?
- Not usually. Hourly or fixed quotes are generally cheaper than percentage fees on estates over a few hundred thousand pounds. Always ask for a written estimate.