We are regularly contacted by members of the public who are in the process of process of buying a property when sadly the owner and seller of the property dies mid way through the sale process. What happens ?
Unfortunately, the property of the seller will now be subject to the probate process. This means that the executor of the deceased owners property will need the legal authority to sell the property, if there is no will the sale of the property will be the responsibility of the Administrator, who will typically be one of the surviving blood relatives. The will is not sufficient to complete the sale of the property, instead the sale cannot complete until the issue of the grant of probate by the probate registry. Typically, time frames can vary significantly depending upon the nature of the deceased persons estate. The greater the number of assets and liabilities the longer the estate takes to administer. As a general guide most estates ( unless there is inheritance tax ) take between 8-12 weeks to adminster.
If you require probate issuing urgently to sell a property please call us on 01482 429985 or email tim.murden@tmsolicitors.co.uk
