DIY Wills

How Much Does a Will Cost in the UK? (2026 Price Guide)

From £0 to £5,000+ — here is exactly what you will pay in 2026 and which option matches your situation.

12 May 2026·7 min read

Short answer

A basic will costs between £0 (charity free will scheme or government template) and £400 (solicitor, simple will). Most people with straightforward estates pay £30–£150 using a DIY kit or online service. Complex wills involving trusts, business assets, or inheritance tax planning cost £500–£5,000+.

2026 will cost comparison

Option	Typical cost	Best for	Drawbacks
Government free template	Free	Very simple estates, tech-savvy users	Minimal guidance; easy to make signing errors
Charity free will scheme	Free	Those happy to consider leaving a charitable gift	Seasonal availability; implies legacy gift expectation
DIY will kit (e.g. Post Office)	£10–£30	Very simple estates; experienced writers	Paper forms; limited guidance; no review step
Online will serviceWillSafe	£39.99–£79.99	Most people with straightforward estates	Not suitable for complex estates with trusts
Online service (premium)	£100–£200	Couples wanting guided support	Higher cost; still not solicitor advice
Solicitor — simple will	£150–£400	Moderate complexity; peace of mind	Higher cost; appointment needed
Solicitor — couples mirror wills	£250–£600	Couples with shared assets	Cost; may push unnecessary add-ons
Solicitor — complex will	£500–£5,000+	Trusts, business assets, IHT planning	High cost; genuinely necessary in some cases

Which option is right for you?

Use a DIY kit or online service if:

You want to leave your estate to your spouse / civil partner and then your children
You own property in your sole name or jointly with your partner
You have no business interests or significant overseas assets
Your estate is unlikely to exceed £2 million (above the inheritance tax residence nil-rate band)
You have no children from a previous relationship who might challenge the will

Use a solicitor if:

You own a business or have complex shareholdings
You have overseas property
You want to create trusts for disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries
Your estate is likely to face a serious inheritance tax challenge
You have children from multiple relationships and want to minimise the risk of dispute
You are concerned about someone challenging your mental capacity at the time of signing

The hidden cost of no will

Dying without a will (intestate) is rarely “free”. Your estate will likely face higher probate costs, potential disputes between family members, and assets may not reach the people you intended. The average disputed estate costs tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees. A £39.99 will kit is cheap insurance.

What affects the cost of a will?

Complexity

A simple will leaving everything to a partner then children costs much less than one establishing a discretionary trust, incorporating business property relief claims, or dealing with international assets. Solicitors charge more because they are providing regulated advice on a complex legal structure, not just filling in a form.

Number of wills

Couples typically pay a reduced rate for two “mirror wills” — matching documents where each partner leaves their estate to the other. Many online services and solicitors offer a couples discount of 20–40%.

Storage

The original signed will must be kept safe. Some solicitors charge £25–£100 per year to store your will. The Probate Service charges a one-off £11 fee. WillSafe includes free registration guidance with every kit.

Ongoing updates

You should review your will after marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant change in assets, or the death of a named executor or beneficiary. A codicil for minor changes costs relatively little; a completely new will costs the same as your original.

Why Farewill's exit changed the market

Farewill, which had been one of the largest online will providers with prices around £90, stopped offering DIY wills in 2026 after pivoting to cremation services. This left a gap in the market for affordable, well-supported online wills. WillSafe UK fills that gap at £39.99 for a single will or £69.99 for a couples pack.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest way to make a legally valid will in the UK?▼

The cheapest options are a charity free will scheme (free during certain months of the year — the charity hopes you will leave them a gift) or the government's free will template at gov.uk. For a professionally prepared document without charity conditions, a DIY will kit like WillSafe costs from £39.99.

Do I need a solicitor to make a will?▼

No. Will writing is not a reserved legal activity in England and Wales. Any competent adult can write their own will. You only need a solicitor if your estate is genuinely complex — for example if it involves business assets, offshore property, trusts, or a potential inheritance tax challenge.

How much does a solicitor charge to write a will?▼

A simple single will through a solicitor typically costs £150–£400. A mirror will (two matching wills for a couple) usually costs £250–£600. Complex wills involving trusts, business assets, or significant inheritance tax planning can cost £500–£5,000 or more.

Are there ongoing costs after making a will?▼

Some will writing services charge an annual storage fee (typically £20–£50/year). Solicitors sometimes charge to store the will. You should update your will after major life events — each update is a new cost. WillSafe offers free storage registration and an update service if your circumstances change.

Can I change my will for free?▼

Minor changes can be made by adding a codicil — a signed and witnessed amendment. For significant changes, the safest approach is to write an entirely new will. Costs depend on the method — a solicitor will charge their usual fee; an online service may charge a flat update fee.

Is there VAT on will writing in the UK?▼

Will writing itself is VAT-exempt when provided by a qualified practitioner. However, some ancillary services (such as storage, executor services, or certain specialist advice) may be subject to VAT. Always confirm the all-in price before proceeding.

WillSafe UK will kit — from £39.99

The best-value option for most people with straightforward estates. Includes step-by-step guidance, all required legal clauses, and free storage registration. Ready to sign in under 30 minutes.

See will kit options

DIY will kit vs solicitor: which is right for you?

Complete comparison guide

Farewill alternatives 2026: 6 services compared

Now Farewill has stopped doing wills

Can you write your own will in the UK?

Yes — the five legal requirements

Do I need a solicitor to write a will?

The honest answer for most people

Prices are approximate and correct as of May 2026. Will writing costs vary by provider and estate complexity. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a regulated solicitor for advice specific to your circumstances.