We had an offer accepted on an amazing, once in a lifetime property last month, and instructed solicitors on the 15th april
The owner died in Jan 2024, so it was our understanding that probate etc was completed. We’re cash buyers (by the skin of our teeth!) and there’s no chain, so we were hoping for a fast exchange.
A few days ago the solicitors revealed probate has NOT been granted! This is due to a change of executor. No further info given, other than they said the Registry have marked the new application ‘urgent’. We asked for an update yesterday and they said no change, they are still waiting.
Does anyone know how long this might take, after the change of an executor? Is it like going back to square one? Could we be looking at months to wait? Aaaargh!
We sold our house last yr and we’re living in Airbnbs with our kids, which is getting crazy expensive now it’s peak season; we’re struggling to find places for less than £5k/month!
Can anyone help give me a steer on how long this could take, what exactly is going on?
For further info: I bought the will from the registry online, and can see that his total estate is worth £3.5m. He had several properties. There are a few named cash gifts totalling about £300k, but most money is to be given to the local hospital.
If anyone can advise I’d be super grateful 🙏
(Also posted in property, but posting here too for better traffic)