How long it takes to get inheritance depends entirely on the complexity of the estate and probate process, but beneficiaries should expect to wait between 6-12 months from the date of death for straightforward cases, though complex estates involving property sales, overseas assets, or family disputes can extend this timeline to two years or longer.
Recent inheritance delay statistics reveal the growing challenges facing British families today. Analysis by Quilter shows that probate cases taking over a year to be granted have risen by 65% over the past three years, whilst cases approaching two years have increased by the same percentage. Current government guidance states grants of probate should be issued within 16 weeks, but STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) found many bereaved families are waiting over 11 months for probate completion. With inheritance forming the largest component of most family wealth transfers – and the average UK inheritance now exceeding £195,000 – these delays create significant financial and emotional strain for families already coping with bereavement.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Inheritance?
Probate is the legal procedure that grants executors authority to manage a deceased person’s estate, including paying debts, settling taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. This process must be completed before inheritance can be distributed, creating the primary reason why beneficiaries face lengthy waiting periods.
The probate timeline involves several distinct phases, each contributing to overall delays. Initially, executors must gather information about all assets, including property valuations, bank account details, investment portfolios, and outstanding debts. This investigative phase alone can take 4-8 weeks for straightforward estates.
Following asset collection, executors submit probate applications to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS). Processing times have improved since COVID-related backlogs, but applications still require 8-12 weeks for approval in most cases, with complex estates potentially taking 16-20 weeks.
What Factors Affect How Long Inheritance Takes?
Several key factors determine whether inheritance distribution happens quickly or becomes a prolonged ordeal lasting years. Understanding these variables helps beneficiaries set realistic expectations about timing.
Estate complexity represents the primary factor affecting inheritance timelines. Simple estates with bank accounts and personal possessions can be resolved within 6 months, whilst complex arrangements involving multiple properties, overseas assets, or business interests may require 18-24 months or longer.
Property sales significantly extend inheritance timelines because executors cannot distribute proceeds until sales complete. The current UK property market averages 4-6 months from listing to completion, adding substantial time when estates rely on property sales to fund distributions or tax obligations.
Breakdown of Inheritance Timeline Stages
This timeline breakdown demonstrates why inheritance distribution involves multiple sequential stages, each with potential complications that can extend overall timelines significantly. The table shows minimum expected timeframes, though real-world experience often involves longer delays:
| Stage | Timeframe | Key Activities | Potential Delays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Administration | 4-8 weeks | Asset gathering, valuations, debt identification | Missing documents, overseas assets |
| Probate Application | 8-12 weeks | HMCTS processing, tax clearance | Complex estates, administrative errors |
| Asset Realisation | 3-6 months | Property sales, account closures | Market conditions, buyer issues |
| Final Distribution | 2-4 weeks | Beneficiary payments, account settlements | Disputed claims, tax complications |
Why Are Inheritance Delays Getting Worse?
Recent increases in inheritance delays stem from multiple systemic issues affecting the probate system’s efficiency. Staff shortages at HMCTS probate offices have created processing backlogs, whilst the complexity of modern estates has increased administrative burdens significantly.
Digital transformation efforts have improved some aspects of probate applications, but fundamental capacity constraints remain unresolved. The probate service processes approximately 280,000 applications annually, but staffing levels haven’t increased proportionally with application volumes.
Administrative errors frequently require applications to be resubmitted, placing cases at the back of processing queues. STEP members report concerns about inexperienced staff handling complex cases, leading to incorrect information in grants that requires costly corrections before estate administration can proceed.
Real-Life Example: Rachel’s Challenge in Wycombe
Rachel contacted Property Saviour after waiting 14 months for probate on her father’s estate in Wycombe. The delay stemmed from a property valuation dispute and overseas bank accounts that required additional documentation, whilst her father’s house remained empty and deteriorating.
“The solicitor kept saying ‘these things take time,’ but I was paying council tax, insurance, and maintenance costs on an empty house whilst trying to settle dad’s debts,” Rachel explained. “The stress was overwhelming, and I needed access to my inheritance to sort out my own financial problems.”
Rather than wait potentially months longer for probate completion and then additional time for property sales through estate agents, Rachel chose Property Saviour’s guaranteed purchase service. This decision provided immediate certainty about sale proceeds and completion dates, allowing her to plan her finances without depending on unpredictable probate timelines.
When inheritance delays create financial pressure and you need certainty about property sale proceeds, Property Saviour offers understanding solutions that work around probate complications whilst ensuring fair value for estate assets.
Reddit Insights: Real Experiences of Inheritance Delays
Property Saviour has observed valuable insights from online discussions about inheritance waiting times and their impact on families. One Reddit user described a four-year delay involving Irish assets and specialist accountants, questioning whether their solicitor was unnecessarily prolonging the process to increase fees.
Another recurring theme involves families discovering that joint tenancy arrangements automatically transfer property ownership regardless of will provisions, bypassing probate entirely. Many Reddit users express frustration about not understanding these ownership structures until after deaths occur.
Multiple discussions highlight how inheritance delays strain family relationships, particularly when some beneficiaries need immediate access to funds whilst others can afford to wait. These tensions often escalate when properties require ongoing maintenance costs that beneficiaries must fund whilst waiting for inheritance distribution.
Steps to Take When Inheritance Is Delayed Beyond Reasonable Timeframes
Request detailed updates from executors or solicitors about specific reasons for delays
Ask for written timelines with milestone dates for key activities like probate applications
Consider whether changing legal representation might accelerate progress on stalled cases
Explore whether partial distributions might be possible for uncontested assets
Investigate whether executors are fulfilling their duties diligently or need additional support
Seek independent legal advice if delays seem unreasonable or poorly explained
Taking proactive steps helps identify whether delays result from legitimate complications or administrative inefficiencies that could be addressed through different approaches.
Can You Get Inheritance Before Probate Is Granted?
Limited inheritance distribution can occur before probate completion, though strict rules govern what assets can be released early. Personal possessions like jewellery, furniture, and sentimental items may be distributed at executor discretion, providing some immediate benefit to grieving families.
Bank accounts and investments cannot be accessed without probate grants, though institutions may release small amounts under £5,000 without formal probate proceedings. These thresholds vary between financial providers, and executors must verify specific requirements with each institution.
Property sales cannot proceed without probate grants, as conveyancers require legal proof of authority before exchange of contracts. This requirement often creates the longest delays when estates depend on property sale proceeds for inheritance distribution or tax payments.
Sell Your Inherited Property Fast
If you’ve inherited a property and need to sell it quickly as part of the estate administration process, Property Saviour is here to make the experience as simple and stress-free as possible. We understand that dealing with an inherited property can be overwhelming, especially when probate deadlines, legal requirements, and family pressures come into play. That’s why we offer a fast, guaranteed solution to help you move forward without unnecessary delays or complications.
Traditional routes like estate agents often come with long waiting times and no certainty of success. On average, it can take 14-25 weeks or more to sell through an agent, and even then, there’s only a 51% chance of securing a buyer. While auctions are faster, taking around 8-12 weeks, they still don’t guarantee a sale—and properties sold at auction often fetch below market value. If time is of the essence or you simply want to avoid the hassle of these methods, Property Saviour provides an alternative you can count on.
We specialise in buying inherited properties quickly and with no fuss. Unlike estate agents or auctions, we offer a guaranteed sale within as little as seven days. There are no chains, no delays, and no risk of the deal falling through. Whether you’re dealing with a property that needs repairs, facing probate deadlines, or just want to release the funds tied up in your inheritance, we’ll work around your needs to deliver a fast and reliable solution.
At Property Saviour, we know that speed and certainty are often more important than squeezing every last penny out of a sale. That’s why we focus on providing a fair cash offer for your property while saving you time, stress, and additional costs like estate agent fees or auction charges. Our service is designed to give you peace of mind during what can be a difficult time.
If you’re looking for a quick and hassle-free way to sell an inherited property, get in touch with Property Saviour today. We’ll guide you through every step of the process and ensure you get the outcome you need without the usual headaches. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters most.
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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.
