Probate Fees UK 2026 | How Much Does Probate Cost?
Updated 13 May 2026 · 8 min read · England & Wales
Probate in England and Wales involves at least two layers of cost: the mandatory HMCTS court fee and, if you use a professional, solicitor or specialist fees. Understanding the full picture helps executors budget correctly — and decide whether to apply for probate themselves.
The HMCTS probate application fee (2026)
| Estate value | HMCTS fee |
|---|---|
| £5,000 or less | £0 |
| More than £5,000 | £300 |
| Additional official copies of the Grant | £1.50 each |
The flat £300 fee applies whether the estate is worth £6,000 or £6 million. It is paid when you submit the probate application online at MyHMCTS or by post (form PA1P with a will, PA1A without). Most executors order 6–10 official copies of the Grant at the same time — each bank, building society, and financial institution typically requires an original sealed copy before releasing funds.
Solicitor and professional probate fees
If an executor instructs a solicitor to administer the estate, the solicitor’s fee is in additionto the £300 HMCTS fee. Solicitor fees typically fall into three models:
Percentage of estate value
The traditional model: 1%–4% of the gross estate value, plus VAT at 20%. Some firms charge a higher rate for the first £X and a lower rate for the remainder. On a £400,000 estate at 2%:
| Estate value | 1% + VAT | 2% + VAT | 3% + VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| £150,000 | £1,800 | £3,600 | £5,400 |
| £400,000 | £4,800 | £9,600 | £14,400 |
| £750,000 | £9,000 | £18,000 | £27,000 |
| £1,000,000 | £12,000 | £24,000 | £36,000 |
Figures include 20% VAT. HMCTS fee (£300) excluded.
Fixed fee
Many specialist probate firms now offer fixed fees for straightforward estates. Typical ranges in 2026:
- Grant only (you do the administration, they get the Grant): £500–£1,200 + VAT
- Full administration — simple estate (no property, few assets): £1,500–£3,000 + VAT
- Full administration — property included: £3,000–£6,000 + VAT
- Complex estates (IHT400 required, multiple properties, trusts): £5,000–£20,000+ + VAT
Hourly rate
Some solicitors charge by the hour at £150–£350/hour (+ VAT). A fully administered estate typically takes 20–60 solicitor hours depending on complexity — meaning £3,000–£21,000 before VAT. Always ask for a cost estimate before instructing.
Other costs to budget for
- Probate valuation fees: property valuers (RICS) typically charge £200–£500 for a formal probate valuation. HMRC may require this for IHT purposes.
- Trustee Act 1925 s27 notice: advertising for unknown creditors in the London Gazette and a local newspaper costs approximately £200–£400 but protects the executor from personal liability.
- Death certificate copies: registrars charge £11 per certified copy (2026). Order at least 6–10 upfront — it is cheaper than ordering later.
- Missing beneficiary insurance: if a beneficiary cannot be located, indemnity insurance to allow distribution costs approximately 2–5% of the gift.
- Conveyancing: if property in the estate is to be sold or transferred, standard conveyancing fees apply (£700–£2,000 + VAT).
Inheritance tax — paid before probate
IHT is not a probate fee — it is a tax. But it must be paid before the Grant of Probate is issued, which creates a timing challenge: you cannot sell most estate assets until you have the Grant, but you cannot get the Grant until you pay the IHT.
The solutions most executors use:
- HMRC Direct Payment Scheme: banks and building societies release funds directly to HMRC to pay IHT without requiring the Grant — this covers most liquid assets.
- 10-annual-instalment option: IHT on property and certain other assets can be paid in 10 equal annual instalments (interest is charged on unpaid amounts).
- Executor borrowing: executors can borrow (e.g. a bank loan to the estate) to fund the IHT bill, repaid once assets are released post-Grant.
The IHT rate is 40% on the taxable estate above the nil-rate band (£325,000) and any residence nil-rate band (£175,000). See our IHT planning guide for strategies to reduce the bill before death.
DIY probate — what it costs vs using a solicitor
| Route | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| DIY — HMCTS online application | £300 + copies | Simple estate, capable executor, no IHT400 |
| Grant-only service | £800–£1,500 | Executor does admin but wants professional application |
| Fixed-fee full service | £2,000–£6,000 | Straightforward estate; executor wants to hand it over |
| Traditional solicitor (% fee) | £5,000–£30,000+ | Complex estate, disputed will, IHT400 required, foreign assets |
Estimates include VAT where applicable. HMCTS fee excluded.
How to reduce probate costs
- Apply online yourself at MyHMCTS — the interface guides you through the process step by step for straightforward estates.
- Gather documents before applying — having the original will, death certificate, and asset valuations ready avoids delays and repeat professional fees.
- Use the HMRC Direct Payment Scheme to pay IHT from estate funds without needing a loan or bridging finance.
- Get multiple quotes from solicitors — fees vary significantly. Always ask whether the quote is fixed or estimated and what triggers extra charges.
- Plan before death — joint assets pass by survivorship outside probate; life insurance in trust pays directly to beneficiaries outside the estate; small gifts before death reduce the taxable estate.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the probate application fee in 2026?
The HMCTS probate registry fee is £300 for estates above £5,000. There is no fee for estates of £5,000 or less. You also pay £1.50 per official copy of the Grant of Probate — most executors order 5–10 copies to send to banks and institutions. The fee is the same whether you apply yourself or use a solicitor.
How much do solicitors charge for probate in the UK?
Most solicitors charge between 1% and 4% of the gross estate value, plus VAT at 20% and disbursements (court fees, valuation costs, etc.). On a £400,000 estate, 2% plus VAT equals £9,600 — far more than the £300 registry fee for a DIY application. Fixed-fee probate services are available from specialist firms at £1,500–£5,000 for straightforward estates.
Does probate cost more if there is inheritance tax to pay?
Not directly — the HMCTS fee is the same. However, IHT must be paid (or arranged via the Direct Payment Scheme) before the Grant of Probate is issued. This means the estate needs access to cash before probate is granted — a timing challenge for asset-rich, cash-poor estates. HMRC also charges interest at 7.75% (2026 rate) on late IHT payments.
Can I do probate myself to save money?
Yes. If the estate is straightforward — a valid will, no disputes, no complex trusts, no foreign assets — many executors apply for probate themselves online via HMCTS. The only mandatory cost is the £300 application fee. You will need to value the estate, complete HMRC forms (IHT205 equivalent or IHT400 for larger estates), and distribute assets yourself. WillSafe's executor checklist guides you through the process.
Are probate fees the same across the UK?
No. The £300 fee applies in England and Wales (HMCTS). Scotland has a different system — Confirmation (the Scottish equivalent of probate) — with fees set by the Sheriff Court. Northern Ireland has its own Probate Office. This guide covers England and Wales only.
Who pays the probate fees — the estate or the executor personally?
The probate fee is paid from estate funds, not from the executor's own pocket. The executor is entitled to be reimbursed from the estate for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs, including the HMCTS fee, postage, death certificate copies, and professional valuations. An executor cannot charge for their own time unless the will specifically authorises a charging clause (which is standard for professional executors such as solicitors).
When was the last time probate fees changed?
The current flat fee of £300 replaced the previous sliding scale in November 2019. The government previously proposed fees of up to £6,000 for large estates (the 'probate fee hike' of 2019), but those plans were abandoned. There is no confirmed change planned for 2026, though executors should check GOV.UK for the latest figures before applying.
Help your executor by leaving a clear will
A valid, clearly worded will makes probate faster and cheaper for the people you leave behind. WillSafe’s DIY kit includes executor guidance notes to help them navigate the process.
Get the will kit →Related guides
- How to apply for probate step by step
- Do you always need probate in the UK?
- Executor duties checklist
- How long does probate take?
- Inheritance tax thresholds and rates 2026