Situation 3 of 10
Selling a house you've inherited
Grief, paperwork and a house full of someone's life. Take it one step at a time.
“We're still waiting for probate.”
How to improve it
- You can't complete a sale until probate is granted, but you can get valuations and put it on the market now.
- Tell the council. An empty house is usually free of council tax until probate, and for up to six months after.
- Check the insurance today. Most cover stops after about 30 days empty, and you'll need unoccupied cover.
“The family can't agree on what to do.”
How to improve it
- Get three agent valuations, or one independent valuation from a RICS surveyor, so the number isn't anyone's opinion.
- Agree the plan in writing: asking price, lowest acceptable offer, and who deals with the agent.
- If it's still stuck, the estate's solicitor can explain what the executors can and can't decide alone.
“It's dated and full of belongings.”
How to improve it
- Take what matters first, then book a house clearance firm. A clear house photographs and views far better.
- Don't refurbish. A new kitchen rarely pays for itself. A clean, a lick of paint and a tidy garden do.
- Sell it honestly as a project. Plenty of buyers want a house they can make their own.
General guidance only. The estate's solicitor can advise on your specific case.
Other situations
- Your house isn't selling and nothing's happening
- Your house sale has fallen through
- Selling a house that needs work
- Selling a house during separation or divorce
- Selling a house with tenants in
- Behind on the mortgage
- When you owe more than your house is worth
- Selling your house when you're relocating
- Selling a parent's house to pay for care