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02 / Calculator Based on HMCTS 2026 data

How long will probate
actually take?

Realistic 2026 timings from the Probate Registry, adjusted for estate complexity and application type. Plus the downstream estimate of when a property sale could actually complete.


Your estate

Does the deceased have a valid will?
Estate value band
Application type

Online is standard for most estates; paper required for some complex cases or where online isn't accessible.

Estate complications

Estimated timeline

Grant of probate (or letters of administration)
0 0 weeks

Estimate based on current Probate Registry turnaround.

Preparation & application 3 weeks
Probate Registry processing 6–12 weeks
IHT filing (if applicable) — included above

Total timeline: death → completed property sale
Via open market 0 weeks
Via cash buyer 0 weeks

Open-market sale assumes 12–16 weeks from grant to completion (standard conveyancing timeline). Cash-buyer assumes 1–2 weeks once probate is granted, with preparation running in parallel during the probate application itself.

The data. Based on Ministry of Justice / HM Courts & Tribunals Service 2025–26 published data on probate turnaround times, adjusted for estate complexity and application type. Actual times vary — the Probate Registry's reported median is more reliable than any estimator.

If you're dealing with a probate property and want to understand what a cash sale looks like, see our probate property page or start a no-obligation enquiry.

03 / Selling a probate property?

We wait for probate.
No pressure.

We can begin our side of the legal work during the probate application, so that the moment the grant is issued, completion can follow quickly. Share the postcode and a short note on the estate — we'll come back within 24 hours.