Urgent Advice Sought—Auctioneer adds £600 fee before imminent house completion/clearance

BikingBud

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82042885#Comment_82042885

There was a direct question there, it is important because as others have also noted this seems confusing and it appears the estate has a not been finalised, the executors have not completed thier job:

https://www.gov.uk/probate-estate

During the administration period you may have to:

• pay any debts left by the person who died
• sell assets such as properties or shares
• pay Income Tax on things like rental income from property, profits from a business or interest from investments
• pay Capital Gains Tax on profits from selling shares, investments or property
• report the estate value, income and tax liability to HM Revenue and Customs

Who are the executors you also mention close family from your comments I am assuming your close family are not the executors - please confirm.

If you agreed to the possession transfer and to sell yourself then the executors appear to have done their job but what value did they list for the furniture?

But you now mention the house is due to complete next week, hence until that sells the estate has not been wound up completely.

Although if you fail to clear the house of the possessions you agreed to receive then you could be blocking vacant possession. In that case I would expect the executors to be formally chasing you to remove what you have agreed to receive as your legacy.

But generally still confused as the full circumstances have not been provided and there are many questions that will likely fall out of any answers.

Going back to the OP:

His assets were left to his wealthy family lineage and, now 3.5 years after his death, after an incalculable amount of stress, work and significant financial liabilities, my sister and I stand to inherit only a proportion of a property containing some antiques and furniture. 

You have a sister and the deceased was father to both of you? Who are the wealthy family lineage, other siblings?

Who are the executors? Siblings, other party? Are they professionals or self help? Why do they think they have completed their job if the house is not yet sold, see step 2.

What did the will provide for you?

You appear to be in line to inherit a portion of the property so it is in your interest to assure vacant possession for the completion date.

What will you gain as a portion of the house sale, less than the anticipated value of the furniture? More than? Very much more than? Again Step 2.

Has the proportion changed? Or are you just annoyed that you feel the furniture was worth more?

Your best route might be to clear the house and to generate the highest possible sum for the remaining items within the tight timescale so as not to jeopardise completion.