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How to Apply for Probate in Manchester

It is common for people to apply for probate online – which means that the process is no different for someone living in Manchester compared with anywhere else in the country.

To apply for probate, you can do it online, by post, or you can pay a solicitor to do it for you. The latter option is by far the most expensive, but it could give you peace of mind that everything is being done correctly. There are almost 100 solicitors in Manchester who could support you with this.

If the value of the estate is over £5,000, the application fee is £273. There’s no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less.

You will need important documentation to apply for probate – including the death certificate, the Will and an inheritance tax form. Once your application is approved, you’ll get a document that allows you to start dealing with the estate.

The average time for probate to be completed is between 6 to 12 months. Where you fit within this timespan can vary based on several different factors. Generally, it does not take longer to complete probate in Manchester than anywhere else in the UK.

If your loved one had lots of assets, then this can make the process take longer, since there tends to be more complications involved.

Similarly, if lots of inheritance tax needs to be paid, then this can slow things down, too.

The UK government typically takes up to 16 weeks for the grant of probate to be delivered to you. From there, the application itself may be the longest part of the process – as once all documents and valuations have been gathered, dealing with the estate can take quite a few months.

How Much Does Probate Cost in Manchester?

The cost of applying for probate is the same everywhere in the UK – £273 if the estate is over £5,000, and free if the estate is less than this sum.

If you decide to bring in a local solicitor to help you carry out probate, the cost will depend on their fees. For example, TM Fortis, a leading firm in Manchester, charges £200 per hour these services – unless the estate is valued under £10,000, in which case they agree to a fixed fee. Meanwhile, Pearson Legal is another company in the city which charges £3,700 plus VAT.

Some organisations charge a percentage of your estate’s value, which means that the more expensive the estate is, the more they will charge.

If you are looking for a solicitors’ firm in Manchester to support you with these services, then make sure you do lots of in-depth research before making a decision.

Sold.co.uk helps people in Manchester to navigate the challenging process of selling a probate property. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation valuation.

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Selling a Probate Property to a Cash Buyer

When you have inherited a new property, listing it on the market and carrying out viewings can be a tiresome, time-intensive process. If you do not live close to Manchester, then it may also be difficult to keep travelling back and forth to the house.

In this instance, selling your new property to a cash buyer can be a great option. This route will get the sale ‘out of your hair’ as quickly as possible. The offer you receive from a cash house buyer will depend on the condition your property is in.

If the house fell into disrepair in the final years of your loved one’s life, then this may reduce the offer slightly – but if it is in good condition, it shouldn’t be too far below the usual market price, once you factor in the savings on estate agent’s commissions.

You may wish to carry out research on average property prices in the part of Manchester the property is in, so you can decide what you consider to be a ‘fair’ cash offer.

For example, the average house price in Stockport was £329k, over the past year, while the average in Moss Side was £195k so what you are willing to accept may vary depending on your neighbourhood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling House After Probate in Manchester

What is probate?

Probate is the process of dealing with someone’s money, property, and possessions after they have passed away. This task tends to be carried out by the Executor of the Will, who also tends to be the deceased’s closest relative.

When is probate required for a property?

If your loved one’s property was solely owned by them, and in their name only, then probate will be needed to take control of the property. Alternatively, if they owned the house in joint ownership with someone else, then the property will possibly automatically transfer into the name of the surviving person. In this case, probate wouldn’t be needed. If you are at all unsure, you should take legal advice for guidance on your specific situation.

Can you sell a house in Manchester before probate?

No, you cannot sell a house in Manchester before probate has been completed. You are allowed to list it on the market and carry out viewings – but the exchange of contracts cannot take place until after probate is finished.

What are the steps of selling with probate?

The main steps of selling with probate are:

  • Get a valuation of the estate
  • Pay any inheritance tax
  • Get the grant of probate
  • List the property for sale and find a buyer
  • Exchange contracts and sell the property

The right legal experts can guide you through each of these steps.

Can I pass probate to someone else?

Yes, you can. Even if you are named as an Executor on the Will, you are not legally required to deal with the estate. Instead, you could let a family member deal with the estate in your name; you could renounce your right to administer the estate; or you could officially appoint someone else to do it on your behalf. As a final option, some people pay a legal expert to carry out probate for them.

Why does probate take so long?

There are lots of important administrative tasks involved with probate, which contributes to it taking a while to complete. Unfortunately, if all tax and legal processes are not done correctly, it can result in fines or legal action, so it is important to take care that everything is done the right way.

Sometimes, hiring a solicitor can speed up the process, because they are experienced in this area and know what they are doing. However, you are reliant upon them being responsive and efficient – so ask for recommendations and research the most effective companies before you hire one.

Can a house be emptied before probate?

Legally, you are supposed to wait until probate is granted before you empty a property. However, not everyone follows this rule. Either way, the contents of a house should certainly not be removed until the contents of the Will are known.

How to value probate property?

Before an inherited property can be transferred to its new owner, it is usually required to undergo a probate valuation, to determine how much the house is worth. Lots of property companies provide this service – although the fee they charge can vary from a fixed rate, to a percentage of the value, to a price in accordance with the size of the house.

Is there a time limit for probate?

No, there is not a time limit for probate. However, you will need to pay inheritance tax within 6 months of your loved one passing away.

Can I complete probate without a solicitor?

Yes, you can complete probate without a solicitor. Lots of people opt for this route because it is less expensive – however, it also leads you more vulnerable to costly mistakes, which might increase your bill further down the line. It is generally recommended that you seek the guidance of someone who has completed this process before, unless you have done it in the past.

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