Yes, you can sell your share of an inherited house, but the process depends on how you own the property with other beneficiaries and requires completing specific legal steps before any sale can proceed.
Recent research shows that inheritance values in the UK have doubled roughly every twenty years since 1979, with the average reported estate worth £352,000 by 2020 compared to just £95,000 in 1979. This dramatic increase means more families are facing complex decisions about whether to keep or sell inherited property shares, particularly when multiple siblings are involved.
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Can I Sell My Share Of Inherited House?
Before you can sell your portion of an inherited house, you must first determine how you legally own the property. This distinction affects your rights and options significantly.
If you’re joint tenants, all owners must agree to any sale of the entire property, and proceeds are split equally between all parties. However, if you’re tenants in common, you can sell your specific percentage share to other co-owners or third parties without requiring written consent from other owners.
You can check your ownership type by downloading the title register from the Land Registry website for £3. If the document includes specific wording in Section B Proprietorship Register indicating tenants in common, you’ll know you have more flexibility in selling your share.
What Legal Steps Must I Complete Before Selling My Inherited Property Share?
The probate process must be finished before any inherited property can be sold. This involves locating the will, applying for probate, and registering the property in the beneficiaries’ names. Without completed probate, you cannot legally transfer ownership of your share to anyone else.
Once probate is granted, you’ll need to obtain a professional valuation to determine your share’s worth. This valuation becomes essential for negotiations with co-owners or potential third-party buyers.
Can I Force My Siblings to Sell Our Inherited House?
You cannot force other beneficiaries to agree to a sale, but you do have legal options as a last resort. Under the Trustees of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996, you can apply to court for an ‘order for sale’. However, this route can be expensive, with legal fees potentially reaching £10,000, and the costs often come from the sale proceeds, reducing everyone’s share.
Reddit users frequently share experiences about family disputes over inherited property. One property owner from our community mentioned: “It’s being totally unfair when siblings want you to contribute to costs but won’t agree to sell. There’s three realistic options: sell and split the money, have them buy you out, or charge them rent for your share”.
How Much Will I Receive When Selling My Share of Inherited Property?
Your share depends on the ownership structure outlined in the will or determined by intestacy rules. The table below shows common inheritance scenarios and how proceeds are divided:
| Scenario | Your Share | Example on £300,000 Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Equal split between 3 siblings | 33.3% | £100,000 each |
| 50-50 split between 2 people | 50% | £150,000 each |
| Unequal split (e.g., 60-40) | As specified | £180,000 and £120,000 |
Understanding these percentages helps you make informed decisions about whether to sell, buy out others, or explore alternative arrangements. Property Saviour regularly helps families work through these complex situations, offering guaranteed cash purchases that provide certainty during emotionally challenging times.
What Options Do I Have If Other Beneficiaries Want to Keep the Property?
When co-owners disagree about selling, several solutions can work for everyone involved:
Buy-out arrangements where willing parties purchase reluctant sellers’ shares
Rental agreements where those keeping the property pay market rent for others’ portions
Delayed sale agreements with specific timelines
Property management companies handling rental income distribution
Can I Sell My Property Share to Someone Outside the Family?
Yes, you can sell your share to third parties, though co-owners often have the right of first refusal. This means you must first offer your share to existing owners at the agreed price before selling to outsiders.
Selling to third parties can be complex because few buyers want to co-own property with strangers. However, property investment companies and specialist buyers understand these arrangements and may offer competitive prices for inherited property shares.
What Tax Implications Apply When Selling Inherited Property Share?
Several tax considerations affect inherited property sales:
Inheritance Tax applies if the total estate value exceeds £325,000 (or £650,000 for married couples)
Capital Gains Tax may apply if property values increase between inheritance and sale
Tax relief is available if properties are sold within 12 months of death at lower values
The estate typically pays inheritance tax before distributing assets, but you’ll need professional tax advice for your specific situation, particularly regarding capital gains implications.
How Long Does the Process Take to Sell?
The timeline varies significantly based on your specific circumstances:
Probate completion: 6-12 months
Property valuation: 1-2 weeks
Negotiations with co-owners: 2-8 weeks
Legal documentation: 4-6 weeks
Final completion: 2-4 weeks
Court proceedings to force sales can extend this timeline by 6-12 months and significantly increase costs for all parties involved.
What Happens If I’m Living in the Inherited Property?
Living in inherited property while co-owning with others creates additional complexity. Reddit discussions reveal that charging fair market rent to occupying relatives is often the most equitable solution when sales are delayed. This ensures non-resident owners receive income from their inheritance while allowing occupants time to arrange alternative housing.
Some families arrange for occupants to gradually buy out other shares over time, spreading the financial burden while providing certainty for all parties.
Should I Use the Same Solicitor as Other Family Members?
Legal experts recommend each party uses separate solicitors to avoid conflicts of interest. While this increases overall legal costs, it protects everyone’s individual interests and ensures proper representation throughout the process.
Fixed-price conveyancing arrangements help control costs, with fees often around £1,500 per party for straightforward inherited property sales.
Fast, Fair & Stress-Free Property Sale
Selling an inherited property through traditional methods can be a real headache. Estate agents often take months to find a buyer, leaving you stuck paying bills and maintenance costs. Auctions seem quick, but there’s no guarantee your property will sell, and you might end up accepting a much lower price than you’d hoped.
Why put yourself through all that stress? Property Saviour offers a simpler, faster solution. We’ll buy your inherited property directly, with no estate agent fees, no lengthy waits, and no risk of the sale falling through. Our process is straightforward and transparent, and we can complete the purchase in as little as 10 days. Plus, we’ll cover your legal fees and handle all the paperwork, making the whole experience hassle-free.
Don’t let your inherited property become a burden. Get in touch with Property Saviour today for a no-obligation cash offer. We’re here to help you move forward quickly and easily. Give us a ring or request a call back – we’re ready to take the weight off your shoulders and put cash in your pocket.
Sell with certainty & speed
Property Saviour Price Promise
- The price we’ll offer is the price that you will receive with no hidden deductions.
- Be careful with ‘cash buyers’ who require a valuation needed for a mortgage or bridging loan.
- These valuations or surveys result in delays and price reductions later on.
- We are cash buyers. There are no surveys.
- We always provide proof of funds with every formal offer issued.
We'll Pay £1,500 Towards Your Legal Fees
- No long exclusivity agreement to sign because we are the buyers.
- You are welcome to use your own solicitor.
- If you don’t have one, we can ask our solicitors for recommendations.
- We share our solicitor’s details and issue a Memorandum of Sale.
Sell With Certainty & Speed
- Our approach is transparent and ethical, which is why sellers trust us.
- 100% Discretion guaranteed.
- If you have another buyer, you can put us in a contracts race to see who completes first.
- Complete in 10 days or at a timescale that works for you. You are in control.
