What is probate? Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. When a person passes away, their assets, including property, are distributed according to their will or the laws of intestacy. A probate property is a property owned by a deceased person that is part of their estate and needs to be sold as part of the probate process.

When it comes to selling a probate property, the executor of the estate or the administrator appointed by the court is responsible for managing the sale. It's essential to work with an experienced estate agent who understands the intricacies of probate sales. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.

Steps for selling a probate property:

1. Obtain a grant of probate - Before you can sell the property, you need to obtain a grant of probate, which gives you the legal authority to deal with the deceased person's estate.

2. Valuation of the property - Get a professional valuation of the property to determine its market value. This will help you set an appropriate asking price.

3. Clear the property - Remove any personal belongings and clean the property to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

4. Marketing the property - Work with your estate agent to create a marketing strategy to promote the property effectively. This may include online listings, open houses, and targeted advertising.

5. Accepting an offer - Once you receive an offer on the property, carefully consider it and negotiate terms if necessary. The estate agent can help you with this process.

6. Completing the sale - Once an offer is accepted, the legal process of transferring ownership will begin. Your estate agent can work with solicitors to ensure a smooth and timely completion.

How to prepare a probate property for sale:

1. Declutter and clean - Remove any clutter and personal items from the property to make it look more appealing to potential buyers.

2. Make necessary repairs - Take care of any maintenance issues or repairs to make the property more marketable.

3. Consider staging - Staging the property with furniture and decor can help buyers envision themselves living in the space.

4. Enhance curb appeal - First impressions matter. Make sure the exterior of the property is well-maintained and attractive.

Selling a probate property can be a challenging process, but with the right guidance and support from an experienced estate agent, you can navigate it successfully. By understanding the steps involved and taking the necessary preparations, you can attract buyers and achieve a successful sale.

Working closely with those who need our help at what can be a difficult time, we understand there can be delicate scenarios where guidance from seasoned local professionals can be of benefit.

If you’d like to discuss a probate property sale with our team, please do get in touch without obligation on 020 8858 0200