Inheritance

pmlindyloo

Here is the guidance as regards capital when inheriting a share of a house.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/419817/dmgch52.pdf

552641 onwards

it is very complicated but basically hinges on the DWP (or decision maker) being able to assess the market value of the OP's share of the house. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for his share.

it could be argued that no one would be willing to buy a share of a house when the other owners are unwilling to sell and therefore the OP's capital would be assessed as nil.

However, if you read the link other things have to be taken into account. e.g could the OP force a sale?

Not an easy situation but in the circumstances described it would seem the most sensible solution would be to the sell the property and divide the money.

If they were to do this then the value of the house would be ignored for 6 months minimum and there is a deduction for costs of selling.

As others have mentioned an empty house will incur charges for council tax and of course there would be maintenance fees.

An alternative (and in my opinion the worst case scenario in the circumstances) would be to rent out the property. The capital would then be counted for means tested benefits and the rent counted as income so no benefits probably.

Selling the property would give everyone money - a more comfortable life - and ultimately an ability to go back on means tested benefits once individual capital had dipped to £16000.