The loss of a loved one is a traumatic time for anyone and whilst trying to come to terms with such a loss, being faced with a barrage of legal and financial administration only adds to the distress.
This is being made even more difficult at the moment as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
When someone passes away their estate, which includes their own home, any other properties they may own, money, investments and other assets like cars, must be disposed of in accordance with the law and their will, if they have made one.
Applying for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions (their ‘estate’) is called ‘applying for probate’. Once a grant of probate is made the deceased person’s property can be transferred to their beneficiaries or sold.
The probate process can be slow and lengthy, but it’s facing additional delays due to the pandemic. From application, probate used to be granted in a few weeks, though a backlog caused by Covid has changed that, mainly due to the increased workload as a result of Covid deaths.
You won’t be able to legally sell a property until probate has been granted however, although you can market the property, conduct viewings and agree a sale with a buyer before it has completed, if you decide to sell through an estate agent. You will need to inform the agent that it is a probate property so that they can inform buyers that they will not be able to complete until probate is granted, which can be off-putting for some buyers if they need to move quickly.
If you cannot face the drawn-out process, need to release inheritance as quickly as possible, or find it too distressing putting the home on the market after long delays waiting for probate to be granted, you may want to consider selling the property directly to a cash buyer.
WeBuyProperty has vast experience in buying probate properties and can guarantee the transaction is handled efficiently, sensitively and hassle free. We offer a fixed cash price and can complete as soon as probate is granted. We’re happy to guide you through the process, giving advice about securing the property, informing the insurance company and local authority, and will take away as much of the administration hassle as we possibly can.
Phone number: 0207 938 3007
Email: info@webuyproperty.com