Is selling parents' house after death difficult?

In 2023, nearly 70% of those who expected to inherit a house from their parents plan to sell it, but how difficult is the process? Well, if you’re selling with an estate agent it is quite complicated, but selling with a cash buyer is very straightforward.

Once a property has already been through the probate process, you could already be six to a year down the road from when your parents died. Add the long selling times of estate agents to this, and you could be looking at a further 6 to 12 months.

Selling via a cash buyer means that you can sell in as little as 7 days, all while not having to lift a finger towards paperwork or dealing with solicitors - at The Property Buying Company we will handle everything for you, including your fees.

In this article, we will cover what you need to be able to sell, what alternatives there are to selling, and what the best ways to sell are.

Is probate required to sell a deceased parent’s property?

When a second parent dies, it’s totally understandable to think you can just sell the property and move on, especially if it’s ready to be sold. However, this is not the case. The executors of the will must obtain probate, as you, nor they, have the legal authority to sell the property until probate is granted, unless your name is already on the Title Deeds.

Probate can be a long process, often taking several months, and currently there are substantial 2 to 3 month delays. While it’s possible to market the property and even secure a buyer during this time, the sale cannot be completed until probate is granted.

If there is no will, the process becomes more complex, as the property will follow intestacy rules. In this case, you’ll need to obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration to authorise the sale.

Once probate or the Grant of Letters of Administration is obtained, the property can be sold, allowing you to proceed with exchange and completion. You can choose to go through an estate agent, which may take six months or more, or work with a cash buyer like The Property Buying Company, enabling you to sell within as little as 7 days.

Are there any alternatives to selling the property?

If you’re the beneficiary of your parent’s home, and it has successfully passed through the probate process without needing to be sold to settle outstanding debts, you may be exploring options to keep the property instead of selling it. Fortunately, there are several alternatives worth considering:

While each of these alternatives has its advantages, selling the property to a cash buyer like us, may still be the best option. This is because our cash sale offers a quick, straightforward process, which is designed to be completed in as little as 7 days, without any of the complexities like finding tenants, managing void periods, or maintaining the property.

We are a reputable cash house buying company who have helped thousands of people sell their inherited homes over the past 13 years. You can be sure that we will do everything in our power that you are looked after at every stage of the process.

What is the best way to sell parent’s house after death?

When it comes to selling a parent’s home after their death, there are a few different routes you can consider. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your needs, timeline and priorities:

5. Selling via property auction

Property auctions provide a fast way to sell, often resulting in a completed sale within a few weeks. Auctions can also attract cash buyers who are ready to buy without lengthy financing delays. Additionally, setting a reserve price at auction ensures that you won’t sell below a price you’re comfortable with.

While auctions can be quick, they often come with the risk of receiving lower offers, especially if the property is significantly run down. Auction fees can also add up, and there’s no guarantee that the property will sell at all if the bidding doesn’t reach the reserve price. The auction environment also means you have little control over who can buy the property, which may be a concern if family sentimental value is important.

4. Selling through an estate agent

Traditional estate agents will manage the marketing, viewings and negotiations on your behalf and have the local market knowledge to find the right buyers at the right price.

However, the high street estate agent route can be slow and uncertain, selling times far exceeding 6 months, with no guarantee of a sale, and costing more in ongoing property maintenance and bills. Fees are another factor, as estate agents usually charge a percentage ranging from 1% to 3% (excluding VAT), with the average sitting at around 1.44%+VAT. 

3. Private house sale

A private house sale allows you to avoid estate agent fees and may provide more control over who buys the property. Selling directly to a family member can help keep the property within the family, making the process more personal and potentially less formal.

However, selling privately can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with selling property, as you’ll need to handle marketing, legal work and negotiations independently. 

If selling to a non-family member, it can be difficult to attract serious buyers without professional exposure – as 93% of property sales start with an online listing on Rightmove and Zoopla. Even when selling to a family member, you will need to be careful during the conveyancing process to ensure you don’t create any legal issues for the new owner in the future.

2. Selling through an online estate agent

Online estate agents like Purplebricks or Yopa, offer a ‘sell your house for free’ basic service which allows you to sell your property on online property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla.

However, online estate agents usually have additional packages which are necessary for the house sale like professional photography, hosted viewings and floorplans, which come at an upfront cost ranging from £100 to £1,999. 

1. Using a cash house buying company

Selling to a cash house buyer is one of the fastest, simplest and most reliable ways to sell a property after a parent’s death. Cash buyers are usually able to buy properties within a week, providing quick access to funds and eliminating the uncertainty of a prolonged sale process.

There are no hidden fees or commissions, so the price offered is what you’ll receive in full. For families who want to minimise stress and quickly close this chapter, a cash buyer provides an immediate and hassle free solution. Cash buyers also buy properties as is, meaning you won’t have to invest time or money in repairs, clean ups or staging the home for viewings.

While a cash buying company may offer slightly below market value to account for the quick, risk free purchase, many sellers find that the benefits of speed, convenience and certainty outweigh any slight reduction in sale price. This peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed sale can be invaluable, especially when compared to the fees, time and potential complications of other selling methods.

Here at The Property Buying Company, we specialise in helping families manage house sales in sensitive circumstances, ensuring a smooth experience and respectful handling of the process. By selling to us, you avoid ongoing responsibilities like utility bills, council tax and maintenance costs while the property sits on the market.

Is selling a parent's house after death difficult?

Selling a parent’s home after their death can be a challenging and emotional journey. The process involves not only practical steps such as sorting through legal requirements, but also confronting deeply personal memories and possessions. 

For many, a parent’s home is filled with memories, from family gatherings to cherished mementos that hold personal significance. Walking through each room and deciding what to keep, donate or discard can be a bittersweet experience. 

Sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be overwhelming, often triggering a range of emotions that can make the selling process more difficult. Taking your time and seeking support from family or friends can help guide you through these moments. 

Much like sorting through a parent’s house, selling the house can be a challenging time, especially if you decide to sell on the open market. There is a general sense of unease, especially if the inherited home sits on the market for 3 or 4 months with very little interest — which is why finding a guaranteed buyer can provide so much relief.

How does a cash buyer simplify the process?

Amid the emotional and logistical challenges, selling to a cash house buying company like The Property Buying Company can offer a smooth and stress free solution. 

We specialise in handling sensitive transactions, like inherited or probate properties, quickly and compassionately. This, tied with our speed, can help you bypass the need for hurdles like repairs or redecoration, in the house selling process.

We will work with you to handle the legal aspects efficiently, alleviating the burden of drawn out processes. By choosing a cash sale, you avoid ongoing utility bills and council tax, which can accumulate while waiting for a traditional sale to complete. 

This fast, straightforward solution lets you access funds quickly, allowing you to focus on honouring your parent’s legacy rather than being weighed down by an extended sale process.

How can family disputes impact the selling process?

Family disputes can significantly complicate the process of selling an inherited property, especially when one sibling has cared for an elderly parent in the family home until their death. These disputes often arise when the home has been left equally to all children in the will or through intestacy rules, but the child who provided care may wish to continue living in the home, sometimes because they have no other housing options.

Tensions may escalate if this caregiver is unwilling to leave, while other siblings – particularly those in council or rented housing – see the inheritance as an opportunity to gain financial stability or enter the housing market. This situation can be particularly difficult when all siblings hold equal ownership of the property, but not all agree on selling.

An amicable resolution usually involves one sibling buying out the other’s shares, which starts with a professional valuation of the property to determine each party's stake. Additional factors, such as any improvements paid for by one party or instances of rent free occupancy, may also influence the final valuation and buyout terms.

With skilled negotiation, disputes can often be resolved without damaging family relationships or resorting to court. Professional mediators can assist in facilitating these discussions, helping families find balanced solutions that preserve relationships.

However, if no agreement is reached and no party is able to buy out the others, it may be necessary to seek a court order mandating the sale of the property. While court involvement can bring resolution, it is often seen as a last resort due to its potential to create lasting family rifts.

What challenges might you face when selling an inherited property?

Selling an inherited property, especially a parent’s home, often brings unique challenges that go beyond a standard house sale. From the financial costs to preparing the home for new buyers, the process can feel overwhelming. 

How much does selling a deceased parent’s house cost?

The costs associated with selling a deceased parent’s house can be substantial, especially if the home has been unoccupied for some time. For the purposes of this article, we will bypass the probate costs – but we do have plenty of guides on this if you want a more detailed breakdown. 

Here are some of the costs you may face:

• Estate agent fees: If you choose to sell your house via an estate agent, expect to pay fees ranging from 1% to 3% of the sale price. These fees cover services like marketing, viewings, and negotiations but can significantly reduce your net profit.

• Repairs and maintenance: Inherited properties often need upkeep, especially if they’ve been vacant or neglected. Repairs, painting or landscaping may be necessary to make the property more appealing to buyers.

• Cleaning and clearing costs: Removing furniture, belongings, and other items left in the home can be time consuming and may require professional help, especially if there's a large volume to sort through.

• Legal and conveyancing costs: You’ll need to handle the legal transfer of the property to the new owner, which involves hiring a conveyancer or solicitor and paying the fees, which can range from £820 to well over £1,000 depending on the size of your property.

• Capital Gains Tax: As you are selling post-probate, whatever gain you earn from the property may be subject to Capital Gains Tax (if it is not your primary residence). But, if you are selling as siblings or joint owners then you may be able to take advantage of each individual's annual Capital Gains Tax exemptions.

Remember, if you choose to sell your home to The Property Buying Company then we will cover your selling and legal costs (related to the sale), which means you wont need to pay any estate agent fees, or clearing costs as we will buy as-is!

Should you clean out the house before selling? 

If you are selling your inherited house through an estate agent, or any selling method which requires an online listing, it is highly recommended that you clean and clear the house before selling. 

This is simply due to the fact that you will want to present the house in the best possible light, for property photography and hosted viewings. A well presented listing can help improve your chances of a quick sale on the open market (although that’s not a guarantee).

If the house has a lot of belongings, your parents were hoarders or the property requires a deep clean, then hiring a professional cleaning service may be necessary. Professional clearance companies can range in price from £175 for 250kg, or £595 for up to 1,000kg.

If the idea of clearing out and cleaning feels too burdensome, consider selling to a cash house buying company. We will buy your house directly from you, all while helping you achieve a sale in as little as 7 days, releasing funds to your bank within 48 hours of completion.

Why sell with The Property Buying Company?

At The Property Buying Company, we specialise in buying inherited properties for cash, providing a fast, stress free solution. We understand the unique challenges of handling an inherited property, whether you’re the sole owner or sharing ownership with family members. Our dedicated customer service team is here to support you through every step, ensuring you feel looked after from start to finish.

When you sell your inherited property to us, you won’t need to worry about estate agent fees, and we cover all typical selling costs and legal fees, leaving you with no unexpected expenses.

What sets us apart from other cash buyers is our experienced team of over 40 property professionals, all focused on completing your sale smoothly, on a timeline that suits you, and a price you’re happy with. Our multi-million pound cash reserve means we don’t rely on mortgages or additional financing, so there are no delays – we buy directly and immediately.

We buy any house, in any condition, and in any location across England and Wales. Whether the property needs extensive renovations or is move in ready, we’ll buy it as is, saving you the hassle of repairs and upgrades.