A realistic, up-to-date guide to probate timelines — and what causes delays.
One of the first questions executors ask is: how long will all of this take? The honest answer is that probate timelines vary considerably depending on the complexity of the estate, how quickly you can gather the necessary documents, and the current workload at HMRC and the Probate Registry. This guide sets out realistic expectations for 2026, explains the key stages, and highlights the most common causes of delay — and how to avoid them.
For a straightforward estate in England and Wales — one property, a handful of bank accounts, no business interests, and a clear will — the entire process from death to final distribution typically takes between six and twelve months. More complex estates, particularly those involving Inheritance Tax, disputed claims, overseas assets, or property that needs to be sold, frequently take 12 to 24 months or longer. It is important to set realistic expectations with family members early, as the process is rarely as quick as people hope.
Before you can apply for probate, you must value the estate. This means contacting every bank, investment platform, pension provider, and insurer to obtain valuations as at the date of death. You must also obtain a professional valuation of any property. For a typical estate this takes four to eight weeks; for a more complex estate with multiple assets, twelve weeks is common. This stage is where most delays originate — institutions are slow to respond, paperwork goes missing, and valuations take time to arrange. Keeping a systematic record of every contact made, every document requested, and every response received is essential. Kinvoy's document vault and task tracker are designed specifically for this stage.
Once the estate is valued, you must report it to HMRC using form IHT400 (for taxable estates) or IHT205/IHT207 (for excepted estates below the threshold). If Inheritance Tax is due, it must be paid before probate is granted — at 40% on the value above the nil-rate band of £325,000 (or up to £500,000 with the residence nil-rate band). HMRC currently takes four to eight weeks to process IHT submissions and issue a receipt. Most banks will release funds directly to HMRC for IHT payment without requiring probate, which helps with the cash-flow challenge this creates.
With the IHT receipt in hand, you submit the probate application to the Probate Registry — either online via MyHMCTS or by post using form PA1P (with a will) or PA1A (without). As of early 2026, the Probate Registry is processing online applications in approximately six to eight weeks and paper applications in twelve to sixteen weeks. Online applications are therefore strongly recommended. The application fee is £273 for estates over £5,000. Once granted, you will receive the Grant of Probate — a certified document that gives you legal authority to deal with the estate's assets.
After probate is granted, the work of actually administering the estate begins: closing bank accounts, selling or transferring property, settling debts and liabilities, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries. For a simple estate this can be completed in two to three months. If property needs to be sold, this stage alone can take three to six months depending on the property market. It is good practice to place a Deceased Estates Notice in The Gazette (the official public record) before distributing the estate — this protects the executor against claims from unknown creditors and starts a two-month waiting period.
The single biggest cause of delay is incomplete or incorrect paperwork submitted to HMRC or the Probate Registry. A 'stopped' application — one that is returned for correction — adds weeks or months to the process. Other common causes include: missing assets discovered after the application is submitted (requiring an amended IHT return), disputes between beneficiaries, property that is difficult to sell, and executors who are geographically distant or unwell. The best mitigation is thorough preparation: value every asset before submitting anything, keep meticulous records, and do not rush the IHT submission. Kinvoy's structured task checklist is designed to guide you through each stage in the correct order, reducing the risk of errors that cause costly delays.