Probate office long turn around times

SoletraderNewb

Listening to their recorded message regarding applications being dealt with, the probate office are currently working on applications submitted in May.

I am about to sign contracts for a house involved in a probate and whose application has just been submitted this month. I'm concerned we are going to lock our deposit/savings in for another 5-6 months - sale agreed was 3 months ago. Given the office are only working on May's applications are we crazy to sign? So much can happen in 5/6 months...property damage...we have to find somewhere else to rent...value's go up and it's taken off the market.

Any advice or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks.

Cathmandooo

Went through similar, Sale Agreed in March 2015, signed contract April, probate finished end of Dec 2015, this was a supposed straight forward transaction so we were told it would be quick. The wait until December seemed very long and frustrating with week after week updates saying probate would complete next week. Delay after delay.

Our mortgage offer expired in that time, we had to reapply in Jan 2016, advice from our mortgage broker in December was to hold off until January to reapply as the banks started fresh again with their loan book.

A fresh bank valuation was also needed in Jan so that was an extra cost as one was done in March 2015 in order to be sale agreed. In the meantime a house on the road came on the market and sold for higher than what we went sale agreed at so in effect the house increased in value but we still got it for the sale agreed price. The bank valuer kept it at the same value as his original value, I think he just re-issued the same report and just updated the date.

It worked out in the end but it was a frustrating process. Renting elsewhere would be an added difficulty for you, I was lucky enough not to be in that situation and had a home I didn't have to leave. If you can get a short lease, say 3 months, explain your situation to the landlord then you might be sorted.

Best of luck!

eggerb

Are the executors keen to sign contracts or get the grant issued? They may be able to use the signed contracts to submit a request to expedite the grant. If so, on signing contracts, they might consider offering you a caretakers agreement to look after the house until probate comes through assuming the property is habitable. Renting the property to you might be an option too but that will give you (their tenants) more rights and this may not be in their interests.

nuac

Mod
Matter for your solicitor to work with Probate Office to expedite probate and to advise generally on position
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