Grant of probate

[Dhbrumsony]

The sellers of the house we are buying another property, all appeared to be going well until we found out their purchase is awaiting a grant of probate and is holding things up. Move date was supposed to be 26th Jan, but because of the probate, now been told 9th Feb. No idea or probates, is it likely to take longer?

Our buyer is getting annoyed with the wait as it's all sorted minus their purchase.

Thank you.

Unfortunately, this is a "how long is a piece of string" question!

Probate can be granted in approx. 8 weeks from application, providing there are no complications. However, as we all know, it isn't always simple, for example, did the person die intestate or is the Will very complicated and are solicitors dealing with the probate rather than an executor?

It would be difficult for you to find out what stage the probate is at, but hopefully the EA may be able to get this information and pass it down the chain to at least put everyone's minds at rest that everyone is still committed to the transaction, but that there may be a delay until the probate is granted.

Thought you might require more info. I had a feeling it was going to be one of those questions. Unfortunately I don't have any more info. Aggghh.

It can go either way. A relative bought a flat whose owner had died, and only found out at the last minute that probate hadn't been granted. Because it was a simple estate this went through in a couple of weeks, so not too much delay.
However, when my parents died (very close together) the estate was extremely complicated and it took 15 months to get probate. We had their house on the market, but were careful to tell people that probate hadn't yet been granted. In the end it didn't sell anyway until we had got probate.
Chivvy up your solicitor - it may be just a formality, or it may be complicated. He should be able to find out for you.