Notes
How much does probate cost in the UK?
The probate application fee in England and Wales is a fixed £300 (2026/27). If you use a solicitor, you pay this fee plus their professional charges, typically 1 to 3% of the estate value. A £500,000 estate could cost £5,000 to £15,000 in solicitor fees alone. Apply yourself and you pay only the £300 fee plus any services you choose, such as valuations or tax advice.
Most straightforward estates cost under £1,000 total on the DIY route. The real cost driver is not the application fee but estate complexity and whether Inheritance Tax applies.
The short version:
- Probate application fee: fixed £300 (England and Wales, 2026/27)
- Solicitor fees typically add 1 to 3% of estate value on top of the application fee
- DIY probate costs only the £300 fee plus any searches or specialist services you choose
- For a £500,000 estate, solicitor fees could total £5,000 to £15,000; DIY costs under £1,000
- Complexity and Inheritance Tax liability drive real costs, not the application itself
The fixed probate application fee
The court charge for a probate application in England and Wales is £300. It is a single fee whether the estate is worth £50,000 or £5 million, paid once to the Probate Service when you submit your application. There are no supplements or hidden add-ons based on estate size.
How solicitor charges reshape the real cost
If you instruct a solicitor, you pay the £300 court fee plus their professional fees. Most UK solicitors charge 1 to 3% of the gross estate value. A £500,000 estate incurs solicitor fees of £5,000 to £15,000 on top of the £300. A £1 million estate could cost £10,000 to £30,000.
These percentages apply regardless of how much work the estate actually requires and are rarely itemised or justified by reference to hours spent.
What you pay if you handle it yourself
You must pay the £300 application fee. Beyond that, you pay only for services you choose. A property valuation for Inheritance Tax purposes might cost £150 to £400. Probate searches to find unknown debts cost around £10 to £30. HMRC forms are free to complete. A straightforward estate with no tax liability typically costs under £1,000 total.
An estate needing professional valuations and tax advice might reach £2,000 to £3,000, still well below most solicitor quotes.
Comparing the cost routes side by side
| Estate value | DIY route (approx) | Solicitor route (approx) | Your saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| £250,000 (no tax) | £300 to £600 | £2,500 to £7,500 | £1,900 to £7,200 |
| £500,000 (taxable) | £800 to £1,500 | £5,000 to £15,000 | £4,200 to £13,700 |
| £1,000,000 (taxable) | £1,200 to £2,500 | £10,000 to £30,000 | £8,800 to £27,500 |
The hidden cost: what solicitors do not always disclose
Most solicitor blogs mention the £300 fee in passing, then pivot to why you need their services. They rarely state their percentage fee upfront. A £500,000 estate under solicitor management typically costs £5,000 to £15,000 in professional charges, but this is rarely quoted or broken down in advance. If you handle probate yourself, that entire sum stays in the estate and goes to beneficiaries.
For routine estates with no tax liability and cooperative beneficiaries, the DIY path costs under £1,000. For complex estates, professional input may be wise, but that choice should be based on genuine complexity, not an undisclosed percentage charge.
When to get professional help
You likely need help if the estate exceeds £325,000 and may owe Inheritance Tax, if there are business assets or foreign property, if the will is contested, or if beneficiaries cannot agree. You do not need help if the estate is under the tax threshold, all assets are straightforward, and beneficiaries are cooperative.
If you are unsure whether tax applies, a one-off tax consultation (often £200 to £500) is cheaper than a full solicitor engagement. Many executors handle probate themselves for estates under £500,000 with no tax bill.
Common questions
Do I have to pay Inheritance Tax before I can get probate?
No. You can apply for a Grant of Probate without paying tax first. However, HMRC will not release funds from certain accounts until tax is settled or secured. For estates under £325,000, there is no tax bill at all.
Can a solicitor refuse probate if I want to do it myself?
No. You have the legal right to apply yourself as executor or administrator. Solicitors cannot prevent a DIY application, though some may discourage it.
Are probate costs the same in Scotland and Northern Ireland?
No. Scotland uses a different system called Confirmation, with different fees and rules. Northern Ireland has its own process. This guide covers England and Wales only.
What if I pay a solicitor and they finish early, do I get a refund?
Percentage-based fees are not typically refunded if work finishes quickly. A fixed-fee solicitor may return part of their fee if the estate is simpler than expected, but this is rare. Always clarify the fee structure and any refund policy in writing before you instruct them.
Do I need probate for every asset the deceased owned?
No. Assets held in joint names, payable-on-death accounts, and some policies pass outside probate. You only need a grant to access assets in the deceased's sole name. Check the will and asset documents first to confirm what actually requires probate.
The complete system
the Claro guide
For the full step-by-step process, the Claro guide is the complete system to act on this.