Probate Costs UK: Full Breakdown of Fees and Expenses

Probate costs can vary dramatically—from a few hundred pounds doing it yourself to thousands using a solicitor. Understanding the fees involved helps you make the right choice for your situation.

The Probate Application Fee

The government charges a fee to apply for probate or letters of administration:

Estate Value	Fee
Under £5,000	£0
£5,000 and above	£300

Extra copies of the grant cost £1.50 each. You'll typically need 3-5 copies to send to banks, insurers, and other institutions simultaneously.

DIY Probate Costs

If you handle probate yourself, your main costs are:

• Application fee: £300
• Extra grant copies: £10-15
• Postage and certified copies: £20-50
• Property valuations: £150-300 per property

Total DIY cost: £500-700 (excluding any inheritance tax)

DIY probate works well for straightforward estates where:

• There's a valid, clear will
• All beneficiaries are adults and agree
• No inheritance tax is due
• Assets are mainly cash and property in the UK
• There are no disputes or complications

Solicitor Probate Fees

Solicitors charge for probate in different ways:

Percentage of Estate

Some firms charge 1-5% of the estate value, plus VAT. This can become very expensive for larger estates.

Example: For a £500,000 estate at 2%:

• Base fee: £10,000
• VAT (20%): £2,000
• Total: £12,000

Fixed Fees

Many solicitors now offer fixed fees for straightforward probate:

• Simple estate: £2,000-4,000 plus VAT
• Medium complexity: £4,000-8,000 plus VAT
• Complex estate: £8,000-15,000+ plus VAT

Hourly Rates

Some charge hourly rates, typically £150-350 per hour plus VAT. This gives flexibility but makes final costs unpredictable.

Bank and Financial Institution Fees

Some banks offer probate services—often marketed to existing customers. Typical fees:

• 1-4% of estate value
• Minimum fees of £2,500-5,000
• Additional hourly charges for complications

Banks often outsource the legal work, so you may not get the personal service you expect.

Hidden and Additional Costs

Watch out for costs that may not be included in initial quotes:

Disbursements

• Property valuations: £150-300
• Specialist asset valuations: £200-1,000
• Searches (bankruptcy, missing beneficiaries): £50-200
• Land Registry fees: £3-6 per title

Additional Work

• Inheritance tax calculations: May be separate fee
• Property sale: Often quoted separately (typically 0.5-1%)
• Complex asset transfers: Additional charges
• Disputes or complications: Hourly rates

VAT

All professional fees are subject to 20% VAT. Always check if quoted fees include or exclude VAT.

Inheritance Tax Considerations

Inheritance tax is separate from probate costs, but you may need to pay it before you can get the grant:

• Due on estates over £325,000 (or £500,000 if leaving home to children)
• Charged at 40% on the excess
• Must be paid (or arrangements made) before grant issues

If you need to borrow to pay IHT before accessing estate funds, banks offer "executor loans" but these have interest charges.

How to Compare Quotes

When getting quotes, ask:

1. What's included? Get a detailed breakdown of services
2. What's excluded? Ask about likely additional costs
3. Is it fixed or estimated? Fixed fees give certainty
4. What if things get complicated? How are additional charges handled?
5. Does it include VAT? Always compare VAT-inclusive figures
6. Who does the work? Senior lawyers cost more but may be more efficient

Ways to Save on Probate Costs

1. Do It Yourself

For simple estates, the online probate service is user-friendly. You can always get professional help if you hit difficulties.

2. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices vary significantly. Get at least three quotes and don't be afraid to negotiate.

3. Avoid Percentage Fees

Fixed fees or hourly rates are usually better value, especially for larger estates.

4. Do Some Work Yourself

Some solicitors offer "assisted" probate where you do the legwork (gathering documents, valuing assets) and they handle the legal parts.

5. Use Specialist Probate Services

Specialist probate companies often charge less than traditional high street solicitors while offering fixed fees.

6. Consider Charity Will Schemes

Some charities offer discounted will and probate services in return for a charitable legacy.

When Professional Help Is Worth the Cost

Consider paying for professional help if:

• Inheritance tax is due (complex calculations and forms)
• There are business interests or overseas assets
• The will is unclear or might be contested
• Beneficiaries are disputing
• You don't have time or confidence to do it yourself
• There are trusts involved

The cost of professional help is often worth it for peace of mind and avoiding expensive mistakes.

How Probate Fees Are Paid

Usually, probate fees are paid from the estate:

• Executors can be reimbursed for expenses
• Professional fees come out before distribution to beneficiaries
• Some firms offer deferred payment until assets are realised

The application fee must be paid upfront, but solicitors' fees are typically settled when the estate is administered.