UK Probate threshold guide 2025

UK Probate Threshold 2025: Do I Need Probate?

Quick Answer

You need probate in the UK if the estate is worth over £5,000-£50,000 (varies by institution) or includes property, shares, or complex assets.Joint assets, small bank accounts, and some pensions may not require probate. The exact threshold depends on what assets the deceased owned.

2025 Probate Thresholds at a Glance:

  • Banks: Usually £15,000-£50,000 (varies by bank)
  • Property: Always requires probate (except joint ownership)
  • Shares: Usually requires probate regardless of value
  • Insurance: £5,000-£15,000 depending on insurer
  • Pensions: Often no probate needed if beneficiary named

Contents

When Probate Is Always Required

Probate Mandatory If Estate Includes:

🏠 Property/Real Estate

Any property solely owned by deceased requires probate, regardless of value.

📈 Shares & Investments

Stocks, bonds, ISAs, and investment accounts usually require probate regardless of value.

💰 Large Bank Accounts

Individual accounts over £15,000-£50,000 (varies by bank).

⚖️ Complex Situations

Disputed wills, multiple beneficiaries, or significant debts.

Important

Even if individual accounts are below thresholds, the total estate value may push you over probate requirements.

When Probate Is Not Required

No Probate Needed If:

Joint Assets

  • Joint bank accounts (automatically transfer to survivor)
  • Joint property owned as "joint tenants"
  • Joint investments and ISAs

Small Individual Assets

  • Bank accounts under institution thresholds
  • Total estate value under £5,000
  • Only personal possessions and household items

Assets with Named Beneficiaries

  • Life insurance with named beneficiary
  • Pension schemes with beneficiary designation
  • Some workplace death benefits

Assets Held in Trust

  • Trust funds where deceased was beneficiary
  • Assets held for minors
  • Some pension arrangements

Probate Thresholds by Institution

2025 Institutional Thresholds

These are typical thresholds - always check with specific institutions as policies vary.

Major UK Banks

HSBC

£50,000 threshold

Barclays

£50,000 threshold

Lloyds Bank

£50,000 threshold

Nationwide

£50,000 threshold

Santander

£50,000 threshold

NatWest

£50,000 threshold

Building Societies

Yorkshire Building Society

£50,000 threshold

Coventry Building Society

£30,000 threshold

Insurance & Pensions

  • Life Insurance: £5,000-£15,000 (if no named beneficiary)
  • Workplace Pensions: Often no probate needed if beneficiary named
  • State Pension: No probate required (stops automatically)
  • Private Pensions: Varies - usually £30,000+ requires probate

Investments

  • Stocks & Shares: Usually require probate regardless of value
  • ISAs: Usually require probate (except for surviving spouse transfers)
  • Premium Bonds: £50,000 threshold with NS&I
  • Government Bonds: Usually require probate

Always Check First

Thresholds change and vary by institution. Always contact them directly to confirm their current probate requirements before assuming you don't need it.

How to Calculate Estate Value

Step-by-Step Calculation

1. List All Assets

Include:
  • Property (market value)
  • Bank accounts (all balances)
  • Investments & shares
  • Life insurance payouts
  • Pension funds
  • Personal possessions over £500
  • Business interests
  • Debts owed to deceased
Exclude:
  • Joint assets (unless tenants in common)
  • Assets held in trust
  • Pensions with named beneficiaries
  • Life insurance with named beneficiaries

2. Subtract Debts

  • Outstanding mortgage
  • Credit card debts
  • Personal loans
  • Utility bills
  • Funeral expenses
  • Income tax owed

3. Calculate Net Estate

Net Estate = Total Assets - Total Debts

If net estate is over probate thresholds, you'll likely need probate.

Example Calculation

Assets:

  • House: £250,000
  • Bank account: £15,000
  • Pension: £30,000 (no named beneficiary)
  • Personal items: £5,000
  • Total Assets: £300,000

Debts:

  • Mortgage: £150,000
  • Credit cards: £3,000
  • Funeral: £4,000
  • Total Debts: £157,000

Net Estate: £143,000 → Probate Required

Important Exceptions

Property Ownership Types

  • Joint Tenants: Property transfers automatically to survivor (no probate)
  • Tenants in Common: Deceased's share forms part of estate (probate needed)
  • Check property deeds to determine ownership type

Spouse Exemptions

  • Surviving spouse can inherit ISAs without probate
  • Some pension schemes transfer automatically to spouse
  • Joint accounts become sole property immediately

Small Estate Procedures

  • Some banks accept statutory declarations for small amounts
  • Funeral expenses can be paid before probate
  • Government benefits may be available for small estates

When in Doubt

If you're unsure whether you need probate, most institutions will give you a definitive answer when you contact them with estate details. It's better to check than assume.

Scotland vs England & Wales

England & Wales

  • Process called "probate"
  • Grant of probate or letters of administration
  • Probate Registry handles applications
  • Thresholds as listed above

Scotland

  • Process called "confirmation"
  • Grant of confirmation from Sheriff Court
  • Similar thresholds but different process
  • May need inventory of estate

Key Point

The thresholds are similar, but the legal process differs. If the estate is in Scotland, you'll apply for "confirmation" rather than "probate".

What If I Do Need Probate?

Don't Panic - Here's What Happens Next

1. Apply for Probate

Complete PA1P form (with will) or PA1A form (without will) and submit to Probate Registry.

2. Pay Application Fee

£273 court fee plus £1.50 for each official copy you need.

3. Wait for Grant

Usually takes 8-12 weeks for straightforward cases.

4. Collect Assets

Use grant of probate to close accounts, sell property, and distribute estate.

DIY Probate

  • Suitable for straightforward estates
  • Costs £273 + copy fees
  • Takes time but saves money
  • Government guidance available online

Professional Help

  • Recommended for complex estates
  • Solicitor fees: 1-5% of estate value
  • Probate specialists available
  • Includes legal protection

Quick Probate Checker

Answer these questions:

1.Does the estate include property owned solely by the deceased? (Yes = Probate needed)
2.Are there stocks, shares, or investments? (Usually yes = Probate needed)
3.Are individual bank accounts over £15,000-£50,000? (Yes = Probate needed)
4.Is the total estate value over £50,000? (Likely yes = Probate needed)
5.Are all assets joint or have named beneficiaries? (Yes = Probate may not be needed)

If you answered "yes" to questions 1-4, you likely need probate.

If only question 5 is "yes", you may not need probate.

Need Help with Probate?

Get Your Free Probate Checklist

Understanding probate thresholds is just the beginning. Our comprehensive guide walks you through the entire probate process, step by step.

  • Complete probate threshold calculator
  • Step-by-step application process
  • Required documents checklist
  • Timeline and cost breakdown
  • When to get professional help
  • Template letters for asset collection

Get your free checklist

  • What to do in the first 5 days after someone dies
  • How to register a death in the UK
  • Who to notify (banks, councils, utilities, and more)
  • When you might need probate
  • Optional tasks like redirecting mail or closing online accounts
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Farra is a digital assistant that helps with death admin and bereavement support in the UK. From registering a death to applying for probate, Farra provides step-by-step guidance, essential documents, and practical help for families navigating the administrative side of loss. Designed to bring clarity and compassion to the most difficult moments, Farra simplifies estate paperwork, bank notifications, and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.