Can buyers of a property request to see the grant of probate?

techno79

I've had an offer accepted on a house but was waiting for the probate to be granted. I've just been told (via the vendors directly over a phone call) that the grant of probate has been given.

I do not have reason to doubt that it is a lie but I will start incurring costs with the solicitors once I ask them to check things. I thought me seeing the copy of grant of probate would be a reasonable check before I get my solicitors involved. Does that sound reasonable or am I way off base?

Bossypants

You can look it up yourself: https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk

If you don't have the name of the deceased, get it off the Land Registry (that's what I did).

fred246

We had to get a grant of probate very quickly to sell a property and the probate office were excellent. I think they know the problems it can cause for property sales and so even though the wait is normally a few months they seem to move you to the front of the queue when a property sale is involved.

theartfullodger

###Can buyers of a property request to see the grant of probate?#####

I can request that Bozo the clown (aka Boris..) produce a certificate of sanity.  But in that & your case there is no requirement to provide..

greatcrested

theartfullodger said:

###Can buyers of a property request to see the grant of probate?#####

I can request that Bozo the clown (aka Boris..) produce a certificate of sanity.  But in that & your case there is no requirement to provide..

Depends who you ask.

Ask the sellers - yes, you're right.

Ask the Probate Office - it's public information!

davidmcn

I wouldn't say it was a "normal" request (any more than anything else which normally awaits the solicitors doing their due diligence). But not majorly offensive to ask I suppose.

blue_max_3

I am selling a probate property and had to provide a copy to my solicitor. It's part of money laundering regs and title. Can't see any advantage to tell you otherwise. House prices are only likely to soften.

AdrianC

techno79 said:

I've had an offer accepted on a house but was waiting for the probate to be granted. I've just been told (via the vendors directly over a phone call) that the grant of probate has been given.

I do not have reason to doubt that it is a lie but I will start incurring costs with the solicitors once I ask them to check things. I thought me seeing the copy of grant of probate would be a reasonable check before I get my solicitors involved. Does that sound reasonable or am I way off base?

Whether it's been granted now or not is irrelevant. Your solicitor will ensure that the sale is legitimate before you can exchange.

And, yes, the vendor may pull out for any or no reason - as may you - before exchange, and - yes - costs can be incurred. If you don't want to risk those costs, then go for a No-Sale-No-Fee deal with your solicitor.

Flugelhorn

I scanned a copy to the estate agent, to show I had the right to put the house on the market and accept offers 

GDB2222

At some stage, your solicitor needs to check that the sellers have good title. In this case, that includes checking probate. However, unless you have good reason to doubt the sellers' truthfulness, it is mildly offensive to ask for proof yourself. I doubt it is offensive enough to stop them selling to you, though.

martindow

Is there a time lag between probate being granted and it being available via the link above?  The OP wants to be wary of going in all guns blazing if it can't be found immediately and unnecessarily sour relations with the vendor.