Probate Fees and Costs UK 2026: What You Will Pay
Updated: 16 May 2026 • Reading time: 7 min
Administering an estate in England and Wales involves a range of costs — from the HMCTS court fee for obtaining the grant of probate to professional fees and property sale costs. Understanding what you will pay, and where you can save, helps executors and families plan effectively during an already difficult time.
HMCTS Probate Application Fee 2026
The court fee for applying for a grant of probate (where there is a will) or letters of administration (where there is no will) is set by the Non-Contentious Probate Fees Order. As of 2026:
| Gross estate value | HMCTS fee |
|---|---|
| Up to £5,000 | £0 (no fee) |
| Over £5,000 | £300 |
Additional sealed copies of the grant: £1.50 each. Typically 5–10 copies are needed.
The HMCTS fee is the same whether you apply online or by post, and the same whether you apply personally or through a solicitor. It is paid at the time of application and is deductible from the estate for IHT purposes.
Solicitor Probate Fees
If the executor instructs a solicitor to handle probate, fees vary considerably by the complexity of the estate and the charging structure used:
- Fixed fee — most common for straightforward estates; typically £1,500–£3,500 for a simple estate (one property, bank accounts, no IHT)
- Hourly rate — £200–£400 per hour in 2026 depending on the firm and the fee earner’s seniority; complex estates involving trusts, disputes, or foreign assets can cost £5,000–£20,000+
- Percentage of estate — 1–4% of the gross estate value; controversial as it bears no relation to the actual work done for larger estates; the Law Society recommends this is only used as a cross-check, not as the primary basis for fees
Always obtain a written estimate (ideally a fixed fee quote) before instructing. Solicitors are required to publish their pricing for probate work online and to provide a clear costs estimate at the outset.
DIY Probate: Costs and Considerations
Executors can apply for probate themselves through the HMCTS Probate Service— either online (via MyHMCTS) or by post. The only mandatory fee is the £300 court fee. However, there are still disbursements to budget for:
- Valuation of property — RICS surveyor or estate agent, typically £300–£500
- Valuation of investments and other assets
- Land Registry official copies — £3–£6 per title
- Bankruptcy searches on beneficiaries (if recommended) — around £2 per search
- Gazette advertisement for creditors — around £100–£200
- Accountant fees if estate income tax returns are needed
DIY probate is realistic for simple estates — one or two bank accounts, a single property, no IHT, no disputes. For estates with IHT, business assets, overseas property, or potential claims, professional assistance is strongly recommended.
Estate Agent and Property Sale Costs
Where the estate includes residential property to be sold, estate agent fees are typically the largest single cost alongside any IHT:
- Estate agent commission: 1–3% of the sale price plus VAT (sole agency is cheaper than multi-agency)
- Conveyancing solicitor fees for the sale: typically £800–£2,000 plus disbursements
- Energy Performance Certificate if not up to date: £60–£120
- Property clearance if required: variable
IHT and Its Effect on Administration Costs
All professional fees, the HMCTS fee, and reasonable funeral costs are deductible from the gross estate before IHT is calculated. For taxable estates this creates a modest saving: £3,000 in deductible costs saves £1,200 of IHT (at 40%). This applies to solicitors’ fees incurred in obtaining probate and administering the estate up to the point of distribution.
When Probate Is Not Required
Not every estate requires a formal grant of probate. Common situations where it may be unnecessary:
- All assets pass by survivorship — jointly owned property held as joint tenants passes automatically to the surviving owner without probate
- Small estates — banks and financial institutions have their own thresholds (often £5,000–£50,000) below which they will release funds on a death certificate and indemnity form
- Assets in trust — trust assets are not part of the estate and do not require probate
- Nominated benefits — pension death benefits and life insurance in trust pass directly to named beneficiaries
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does probate cost in England and Wales in 2026?
The HMCTS application fee for a grant of probate or letters of administration in 2026 is £300 for estates with a gross value above £5,000 (there is no fee for smaller estates). Additional sealed copies of the grant cost £1.50 each. On top of the court fee, professional fees can range from around £1,500–£3,000 for a straightforward estate handled by a solicitor, rising to 1–4% of the estate value for complex or high-value estates.
Can I apply for probate myself to save money?
Yes. Executors can apply for probate directly through the HMCTS Probate Service without using a solicitor — this is called a DIY or personal application. You will still pay the £300 court fee and any disbursements (valuation fees, Land Registry searches, etc.). The process is straightforward for simple estates but can be complex where there is IHT to calculate, business assets, overseas property, or multiple beneficiaries with disputed interests.
What are solicitor probate fees based on?
Solicitors typically charge for probate work either on an hourly rate (commonly £200–£400 per hour for a probate solicitor in 2026) or as a fixed fee, or as a percentage of the estate (usually 1–4%). The Law Society recommends that solicitors provide a clear costs estimate at the outset. Percentage-based fees can result in high charges for large estates — always compare quotes and ask for a fixed-fee option.
What other costs arise during estate administration?
Beyond professional fees and the HMCTS fee, common estate administration costs include: estate agent fees for selling property (typically 1–2% plus VAT); Land Registry search and registration fees; bankruptcy searches on beneficiaries; valuation fees for property, antiques, and investments; Gazette advertisement for unknown creditors; accountant fees if estate income tax returns are needed; and IHT interest if the tax is paid after the six-month deadline.
Are probate fees deductible from the estate before IHT?
Yes. The costs of administering the estate — including professional fees, HMCTS fees, and reasonable funeral costs — are deductible from the gross estate for IHT purposes. This means they reduce the taxable value of the estate, saving IHT at 40% on those amounts where IHT applies. Funeral costs are also deductible, though HMRC limits what is considered 'reasonable'.
What is the cost of applying for probate online vs by post?
The HMCTS court fee is the same (£300) whether you apply online or by post. However, online applications are generally processed faster. Online applications can be submitted through MyHMCTS. The HMCTS Probate Service has been expanding its digital services, and online applications are now the recommended route for most personal (DIY) applications.
Are there any estates that don't require a grant of probate?
Yes. Small estates where all assets pass outside the estate (via survivorship, trust, or beneficiary nomination) may not require probate. Banks and financial institutions often have their own small estate thresholds — typically £5,000–£50,000 — below which they will release funds on production of a death certificate and a short statutory declaration, without requiring a grant of probate. Always check with each institution.
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