Calculate Estate Administration Costs
Enter the estate details to estimate the total cost of administering the estate, including DIY vs solicitor options.
Estate Administration Costs Explained
Administering an estate involves several types of costs. The main expenses are the probate application fee (£300 flat fee in 2026), solicitor or specialist fees if professional help is used, and executor out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, postage and phone calls.
For larger estates, Inheritance Tax may also be due. The nil-rate band is £325,000, with an additional £175,000 residence nil-rate band if a main residence passes to direct descendants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does estate administration cost in the UK?
Estate administration costs in the UK include the probate application fee (£300 flat fee in 2026), solicitor fees if used (typically 1–2% of the estate value), executor expenses such as travel and postage (usually £200–£500), and potential Inheritance Tax if the estate exceeds the £325,000 nil-rate band. Total costs for a straightforward estate worth £300,000 using a solicitor could be £3,000–£6,300 or more.
Do executors get paid in the UK?
Lay executors (friends or family) are not automatically entitled to payment for their time in England and Wales. However, they can recover out-of-pocket expenses such as travel, postage, phone calls and professional fees paid on behalf of the estate. Professional executors (solicitors or banks) charge fees, which must be authorised by the will or beneficiaries. A lay executor can also apply to court for remuneration in complex cases.
Can I do probate myself without a solicitor?
Yes. You can apply for a Grant of Probate yourself (DIY probate) through HMCTS Probate Service, either online or by post. For straightforward estates with no disputes, no foreign assets and a clear will, DIY probate can save significant solicitor fees. You will still pay the £300 probate application fee. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks once the application is submitted. Complex estates with disputes, multiple properties or business assets are better handled by a solicitor.
How long does estate administration take in the UK?
A straightforward estate typically takes 6–12 months to administer fully. Simple estates can sometimes be completed in 3–6 months. Complex estates with multiple properties, business interests, foreign assets or disputes can take 1–3 years or more. The main stages are: registering the death and gathering information (1–2 months), applying for probate (4–8 weeks for the grant), collecting assets (1–3 months), paying debts and tax, then distributing the estate (1–3 months).
What is the probate fee in 2026?
The probate application fee in England and Wales is £300 as a flat fee in 2026, regardless of the size of the estate. This replaced the previous sliding scale. Applications for estates valued at £5,000 or less are exempt from the probate fee. Additional copies of the Grant of Probate cost £1.50 each — you will typically need 5–10 copies for banks, Land Registry and other institutions.