How long is probate taking right now?

achysTop

We're currently in the process of buying a house that's part of an estate going through probate.
The sellers husband died without a will so they've applied for a Grant of Letters of Administration instead. The solicitor said that this application went in two weeks ago and they're pushing for the house sale to be completed by the end of August.

Our mortgage broker is shocked and said that he's hearing of a 6 month delay with probate at the moment, and he's now reluctant for us to put a full application in before probate is granted in case there are delays and our offer expires. We have an AiP for the house. Is the broker right or should we push to do the full application immediately?

Dox

Much depends on where the application was sent - there is considerable variation across the country. Your broker could be entirely correct, or he could be pleasantly surprised.

How much do you want this particular property? If the answer is 'heart set on it', there is nothing to stop you pressing on and exchanging - BUT with the caveat that exchange is conditional on completion by [date], failing which all your costs will need to be refunded by the vendor's personal representives (i.e. those dealing with the administration of the estate). Just make sure you have your mortgage lender on board at every stage and keep them fully informed.

AnotherJoe

There are posters on here with probate (after the finance stuff had been done) getting it in 2 weeks, but it so very much depends upon the complexity of the estate. There are other other posters with literally years.

parcival

I posted a few weeks ago........Door to door was 11 days.  However a simple estate of 4 savings accounts and 1 property. No IHT and all done and submitted on-line......

clodagh_trubble

I applied for letters of administration in mid February, sent to Leeds, chased up in early June to find papers had been forwarded to Swansea, received the certificates about 2 weeks ago, so four months in total

DairyQueen

Applied for probate 14th May (principal registry). Granted 16th June. large-ish estate all in cash (no IHT due) and all tax, etc. issues finalised prior to probate.

ameliarate

parcival said:

I posted a few weeks ago........Door to door was 11 days.  However a simple estate of 4 savings accounts and 1 property. No IHT and all done and submitted on-line......

That was my experience also. No solicitors involved they cause dreadful delays.