Property Finance & Investment
Selling an Inherited Property: The Complete UK Guide

Last reviewed: April 2026
Inheriting property in the UK brings both opportunity and obligation. Whether you have inherited a rental property from a parent or received an estate through probate, understanding the tax implications, legal requirements, and practical steps involved helps you make informed decisions about whether to sell, keep, or let the property. This article covers everything UK landlords need to know about selling inherited property, from capital gains tax (CGT) calculations to managing existing tenants, probate, intestacy rules, and how to transfer ownership once probate is granted. This is not tax or legal advice.
Understanding inheritance and probate
Before you can sell an inherited property, you need to understand the legal framework governing inheritance in the UK. The probate process establishes legal ownership and ensures the deceased's wishes are carried out properly.
The probate process for inherited property
Probate is the legal process of administering someone's estate after they die. If you are the executor named in the will, you will need to apply for a grant of probate, which gives you the legal authority to deal with the property. This process typically takes nine to twelve months in England and Wales, though complex estates can take longer.
During probate, you will need to value the estate, pay any outstanding debts, settle inheritance tax if applicable, and distribute assets according to the will. The property forms part of this estate valuation, and you cannot legally sell it until probate is granted, unless it is jointly owned property where ownership automatically passes to the surviving owner.
For landlords inheriting rental property with existing tenancies, the probate period can be particularly complex. You will need to continue managing the property, collecting rent, and meeting landlord obligations even before probate completes. Property management software can help you stay organised during this transitional period, ensuring compliance and proper financial tracking.
Can you sell an inherited property before probate is granted?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the short answer is no, not legally. You can instruct an estate agent and accept an offer before probate is granted, but exchange of contracts and completion cannot take place until the grant is in hand. Some solicitors will allow marketing to begin early, which can save time if the process is straightforward, but buyers must be made aware of the probate dependency and are free to withdraw in the meantime. If the property is jointly owned as joint tenants rather than tenants in common, ownership passes automatically to the surviving owner via the right of survivorship, and probate is not required for that asset.
What if there is no will? Intestacy rules explained
Where someone dies without a valid will, they are said to have died intestate. In this situation, the property does not necessarily pass to whoever might have expected it, instead, the intestacy rules under the Administration of Estates Act 1925 determine who inherits.
Under the current rules in England and Wales:
Surviving spouse or civil partner — inherits the entire estate if there are no children, or the first £322,000 plus half of the remainder and all personal possessions if there are children. Children inherit the other half of any amount above £322,000.
Children — if there is no surviving spouse or civil partner, the estate passes equally to the deceased's children. If a child has already died, their share passes to their own children.
Other relatives — if there is no spouse and no children, the estate passes in order to parents, then siblings, then half-siblings, then grandparents, then aunts and uncles.
Where no will exists, an administrator (rather than an executor) must apply for letters of administration rather than a grant of probate. The practical effect is similar, letters of administration give you the legal authority to deal with the estate, but the process can take longer if there are disputes about who should administer the estate or how it should be divided.
For landlords inheriting under intestacy, it is worth noting that the property cannot be sold, and rental income should be handled carefully, until letters of administration are granted. Professional legal advice is particularly important in intestacy situations.
Tenants in common versus joint tenants
If the deceased owned the property jointly, the nature of that joint ownership determines what happens:
Joint tenants — ownership passes automatically to the surviving owner by right of survivorship, regardless of any will. The surviving owner then holds the property outright and can sell without probate on that share.
Tenants in common — each owner holds a defined share, which can be left to anyone via a will or, in the absence of a will, passes under the intestacy rules. If you inherit a share from a tenants-in-common arrangement, the property cannot be sold without the agreement of all co-owners.
Multiple beneficiaries and shared ownership
If the property is inherited by multiple siblings or family members, selling becomes more complicated. All beneficiaries must agree to the sale, and disagreements can cause significant delays. One option is for one sibling to buy out the others, allowing them to keep the property as a rental investment.
When selling an inherited property to a sibling, proper valuation is crucial to ensure fairness and avoid future disputes. You will still need to consider capital gains tax implications, though the calculations may differ if selling to a family member at below market value.
Transferring ownership: changing the title at Land Registry
Once probate or letters of administration is granted, you can transfer legal ownership of the property into your name (or the names of all beneficiaries) before selling. This is done through HM Land Registry.
Registered properties
The majority of properties in England and Wales are now registered with Land Registry. To transfer ownership following a death, the executor or administrator submits:
Form AS1 — the standard form for transferring the whole of a registered title to a new owner
Form AP1 — the application to register the change
A certified copy of the grant of probate or letters of administration
The relevant Land Registry fee
If the property is being transferred to beneficiaries rather than sold immediately, you do not necessarily need to register the change of ownership before proceeding with a sale, the grant of probate itself gives you authority to sign the transfer deed on behalf of the estate. Your solicitor will advise on the most efficient sequence.
Unregistered properties
Older properties, particularly those that have not changed hands since the 1990s, may be unregistered. If so, title is evidenced by original title deeds rather than a Land Registry record. Selling an unregistered inherited property triggers first registration, and the buyer's solicitor will manage this as part of the conveyancing process. Locating the original deeds is essential, they are sometimes held by a solicitor, a bank, or among the deceased's papers.
How long does it take to transfer property after death?
In practice, the bottleneck is usually the probate process itself rather than the Land Registry step. Once probate is granted, a straightforward title transfer typically takes four to eight weeks, though Land Registry processing times vary and can extend significantly during busy periods. Current processing times are published on the Land Registry website and are worth checking before setting expectations with buyers.
Capital gains tax on inherited property
Understanding capital gains tax is essential when selling inherited property. Unlike other property sales, the tax calculation for inherited property has unique characteristics that can significantly reduce your liability.
How CGT on inherited property is calculated
CGT on inherited property is calculated based on the increase in value from the date of death to the date of sale, not from when the deceased originally purchased it. This is sometimes called the "stepped-up basis" and it can substantially reduce your tax liability compared to if you had owned the property throughout.
Here is how the calculation works in practice:
Example | |
|---|---|
Probate valuation (date of death) | £320,000 |
Sale price | £365,000 |
Gross gain | £45,000 |
Less: allowable costs (agent fees, legal costs, improvement works) | £5,000 |
Net gain | £40,000 |
Less: annual CGT allowance (2025/26) | £3,000 |
Taxable gain | £37,000 |
Tax at 18% (basic rate taxpayer) | £6,660 |
Tax at 24% (higher rate taxpayer) | £8,880 |
The CGT rates on residential property since October 2024 are 18% for basic rate taxpayers and 24% for higher and additional rate taxpayers. If your taxable income plus the gain takes you across the basic/higher rate threshold, the portion above the threshold is taxed at 24%.
Our free calculators can help you model different scenarios before you commit to a sale timeline.
Sell quickly to minimise the gain
If you sell the property shortly after the probate valuation, ideally within a few months of the date of death, there is unlikely to have been much price appreciation, meaning little or no capital gain arises. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce CGT on inherited property, particularly if the probate valuation was assessed at or close to current market value.
How to reduce your CGT liability
While you cannot avoid CGT entirely if a genuine gain exists, there are several legitimate ways to reduce what you owe:
Live in the property first — if you move into the inherited property and make it your main residence before selling, you may qualify for Private Residence Relief (PRR), which exempts the period of occupation plus the final nine months from CGT. Living there for a meaningful period extends this relief proportionally. The rules are complex if you simultaneously own another property, so professional advice is important before pursuing this strategy.
Time your sale strategically — selling quickly after inheritance minimises the opportunity for value appreciation and therefore reduces the taxable gain. Alternatively, if the gain will be large, consider whether selling just after 6 April (the start of a new tax year) allows you to use two consecutive years' CGT allowances.
Claim all allowable expenses — estate agent fees, solicitor costs, any stamp duty paid during probate administration, and money spent on improvements that added value are all deductible. Keep detailed records of every cost associated with the property. Expense tracking tools can help you stay organised.
Use your annual exemption — the £3,000 annual CGT allowance applies to all your capital gains across all assets, not just property. If you have made losses elsewhere in the same tax year, these can be offset against the property gain.
Jointly inherited property — if multiple people inherit and all are basic rate taxpayers, each person's allowance applies to their share of the gain, which can substantially reduce the combined tax bill.
Consider the impact of renting the property first — if you let the property before selling, Letting Relief may be available for the period of occupation as a main residence (if you also lived there), but the rules changed significantly in 2020. Any rental period that was never your main residence does not attract Letting Relief and simply increases the proportion of the ownership period that is subject to CGT.
Inheritance tax and other financial considerations
Beyond CGT, inheriting property triggers several other tax considerations that UK landlords must understand.
Inheritance tax on the estate
Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged on the estate before you receive the property, not when you sell it. The standard IHT rate is 40% on the value of the estate above the £325,000 nil-rate band threshold. An additional residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 applies where a main residence is passed to direct descendants, potentially taking the effective threshold to £500,000 for individuals (or £1 million for married couples).
IHT is typically paid from the estate before probate is granted, which sometimes means the executor must arrange a bridging loan or negotiate with HMRC to pay in instalments. If the estate has already settled IHT, this does not directly affect your CGT calculation — but understanding that the probate valuation (which was used to calculate IHT) also becomes your base cost for CGT is important.
Income tax if you let the property before selling
If you decide to rent out the inherited property rather than selling immediately, rental income is subject to income tax in the same way as any other buy-to-let property. Income is taxed at your marginal rate, 20%, 40%, or 45%, after deducting allowable expenses. Understanding your rental yield is essential to deciding whether holding the property is financially worthwhile.
Stamp duty considerations
You do not pay stamp duty when you inherit a property. However, if you already own property and decide to keep the inherited property as a second home or investment, you will be subject to the higher rates of stamp duty (currently an additional 5% surcharge) if you subsequently purchase another property. For landlords actively building a portfolio, this interaction is worth planning around.
Renting out inherited property before selling
Many people inherit a property and are not ready to sell immediately, whether because probate is ongoing, the market is unfavourable, or they want time to make a considered decision. Letting the property during this period is perfectly feasible but creates responsibilities you should understand before proceeding.
Do you need to register as a landlord?
In England, there is currently no requirement for individual landlords to register, though this may change with future legislation. In Wales, all landlords must register with Rent Smart Wales. In Scotland, registration with the local council is required. If the inherited property is in Wales or Scotland, check the relevant requirements before letting.
What obligations do you take on?
From the moment you assume responsibility for the property (typically from the date of death, even during probate), you take on landlord obligations if tenants are in occupation. If you actively let the property yourself, you must:
Ensure a valid Energy Performance Certificate is in place (required before marketing)
Carry out a gas safety inspection and obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate
Obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before the tenancy begins
Protect any tenant deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days
Provide the tenant with a copy of the government's How to Rent guide
Meet your repair and maintenance obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
How does letting affect CGT?
If you let the property before selling, the letting period becomes part of your total ownership period. Only the proportion of that ownership that was your main residence qualifies for PRR. The rest is subject to CGT at the rates above. This does not necessarily make letting unwise, rental income can be substantial, but you should model the full tax picture before deciding.
Using property management tools during this period
Even if your intention is eventually to sell, you may be managing the property for a year or more during probate and the sale process. August's platform helps landlords manage inherited property by tracking compliance deadlines, storing certificates and documentation, logging maintenance requests, and automating rent tracking. Setting up proper systems from the outset prevents compliance issues and makes the eventual sale process much smoother, since buyers will want to see well-documented records.
Managing inherited rental property with existing tenants
Many inherited properties come with existing tenancies, creating immediate landlord responsibilities even if you are still working through probate. Understanding your obligations and options is crucial for compliance and for maintaining good tenant relationships.
Your responsibilities as the new landlord
When you inherit a rental property with tenants in occupation, you automatically assume all landlord responsibilities from the date of death. Even before probate is granted, you must ensure:
Safety compliance — all gas safety certificates, electrical certificates, and other compliance documents must remain current. If any certificates are approaching expiry during the probate period, you are responsible for arranging renewals.
Deposit protection — tenant deposits must remain protected in a government-approved scheme. If you are unsure of the current protection status, check immediately, being unprotected, even inadvertently, exposes you to penalties and makes serving valid notices more difficult. See our comparison of the three deposit schemes if you need to transfer protection into your name.
Maintenance obligations — you are responsible for repairs and maintenance under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, even during probate. Delays can lead to compensation claims or legal liability.
Financial records — keep detailed records of all income and expenses and communications. This is essential both for tax purposes and for demonstrating to future buyers that the property has been properly managed.
Recovering possession to sell with vacant possession
If you want to sell with vacant possession, which typically achieves a better price and opens the sale to the widest buyer pool, you will need the tenant to leave.
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which comes into force in May 2026, Section 21 no-fault eviction notices are abolished. The route to recovering possession for sale is Ground 1A, the new mandatory possession ground that allows a landlord to reclaim a property where they genuinely intend to sell with vacant possession. Key points:
Ground 1A cannot be used in the first twelve months of the tenancy
You must give the tenant at least two months' written notice
If the tenant does not vacate, you must apply to the court for a possession order, the ground is mandatory, meaning the court must grant it if you establish the conditions, but the process still takes time
After recovering the property under Ground 1A, you cannot re-let for at least three months
For a full overview of the possession grounds available from May 2026, see our guide to the Renters' Rights Act and our detailed article on grounds for possession.
Selling with tenants in place
Selling an inherited property with tenants in occupation is possible and sometimes the most practical option, particularly where the property has a strong yield and reliable tenants on a long-term tenancy. Buy-to-let investors often prefer properties with existing tenants because it provides immediate rental income from day one.
The trade-off is that properties with tenants typically achieve 10–20% less than vacant possession value, reflecting the limited buyer pool and the risk premium investors attach to inheriting an existing tenancy. For some landlords, particularly those who cannot or do not want to use Ground 1A, or who have emotional reasons for not wanting to displace long-standing tenants, this discount is an acceptable cost.
When marketing a property with tenants in place, transparency is essential. Provide complete tenancy documentation, rent payment history, and compliance certificates to prospective buyers. A well-documented, compliant tenancy is a selling point for investors; incomplete or missing paperwork is a red flag. See also our guide to selling a rental property for the broader considerations that apply to any buy-to-let sale, including conveyancing obligations and the documentation buyers will expect.
Selling at auction versus the open market
Inherited and probate properties are disproportionately sold at auction compared to the general property market. Understanding when auction makes sense, and when it does not, can save you time and money.
When auction works well for inherited property
Auction is worth considering in several situations specific to inherited property:
Speed is the priority — if the estate needs to be wound up quickly, or if a beneficiary needs funds, auction provides a legally binding exchange on the fall of the hammer, with completion typically within 28 days.
The property needs work — properties requiring substantial renovation can be difficult to sell via the open market because mortgage lenders are reluctant to lend against uninhabitable or significantly dilapidated homes. Auction attracts cash buyers and developers who are comfortable taking on such properties.
There is disagreement between beneficiaries — where multiple beneficiaries cannot agree on a price or buyer, an open auction provides a transparent, arms-length valuation that is difficult to challenge.
The property has unusual features — unusual tenure, access issues, structural problems, or other complications that would make a traditional sale difficult are often less of a barrier at auction.
How CGT timing works with auction sales
With an auction sale, the legally binding point is exchange (when the hammer falls), not completion. For CGT purposes, the disposal date is the date of exchange, not completion. This can affect your tax year planning if exchange and completion fall across 5 and 6 April. Take advice on this if the timing is close to the year-end.
Modern method of auction
As well as traditional auction, the modern method of auction (often offered by estate agents) allows the property to be marketed online with a reservation fee paid by the buyer at acceptance, followed by an exchange deadline typically 28 days later. This provides some of the speed benefits of auction with a longer completion window, and is more accessible to buyers who need a mortgage.
If you are interested in understanding the auction market from a buying perspective as well, see our article on whether landlords can buy a rental property before it goes to auction.
Practical steps for selling inherited property
Moving from decision to completion requires careful planning and execution. Understanding the practical steps involved helps you avoid delays, reduce costs, and maximise your sale proceeds.
Getting the property ready for sale
Before listing the property, assess its condition honestly. Inherited properties, particularly those where elderly relatives lived, often need updating or repairs. While major renovations are rarely justified purely to increase the sale price, addressing obvious maintenance issues and presenting the property well can make a meaningful difference to buyer interest and achievable price.
Deep cleaning and decluttering — removing personal possessions and arranging proper house clearance if needed is a relatively low-cost step that can significantly improve first impressions. Buyers struggle to see past clutter.
Essential repairs — fix obvious issues such as leaking taps, broken fixtures, or damaged flooring. Buyers will either negotiate down the price or walk away from properties with visible maintenance problems.
Compliance documentation — gather all relevant paperwork including the Energy Performance Certificate, gas safety records, EICR, and building regulation certificates for any works completed. Missing documents create delays and buyer concerns. Our document management feature can help you organise these in one place.
Mortgage and charge checks — verify whether any outstanding mortgages, secured loans, or charges are registered against the property. These must be settled from sale proceeds, so knowing the exact redemption figures helps you calculate net proceeds accurately.
Using compliance tracking throughout this process ensures you do not inadvertently allow important certificates to lapse during the sale period.
Choosing estate agents and conveyancers
Estate agents — fees typically range from 1–3% plus VAT. Compare the marketing package, local expertise, and track record carefully, since higher fees do not always mean better results. An agent familiar with your specific area understands local buyers and comparable properties and is more likely to achieve a realistic asking price quickly. Consider whether sole or multiple agency is appropriate for the property.
Conveyancers — choose solicitors with experience in inherited property sales, since these transactions carry additional complexity around probate, estate administration, and title. Fixed-fee conveyancing offers cost certainty and typically ranges from £800 to £1,500 plus disbursements, depending on property value and complexity.
Timing your sale
When you sell matters significantly for both tax purposes and achievable price:
Market conditions — spring and early autumn typically see higher buyer activity and stronger prices in most parts of the UK. Rushing to complete a sale in November may cost you thousands compared to waiting for the spring market.
Tax year planning — if the capital gain will be substantial, consider whether selling just after 6 April might allow you to use two consecutive years' CGT allowance, or whether selling quickly after probate is granted minimises the gain regardless of timing.
Tenant situations — if you need vacant possession, factor in the Ground 1A notice period (two months minimum) and potential court proceedings. This can add four to eight months to your timeline from when you decide to sell.
Co-beneficiary circumstances — if multiple beneficiaries are involved, coordinate timing to accommodate everyone's circumstances, particularly where some need the proceeds quickly and others would prefer to wait.
Deciding whether to sell or keep inherited property
The decision to sell or retain inherited property is not purely financial, emotional factors, practical considerations, and long-term goals all play a role. Approaching the decision systematically, however, helps you avoid choices driven purely by sentiment or urgency.
Financial analysis
Start with the numbers. Calculate your gross and net rental yield and compare it to alternative investment options. A property yielding 4% gross might deliver only 2–3% net after maintenance, insurance, letting agent fees if applicable, and mortgage interest if any exists. Compare this to what reinvesting the sale proceeds elsewhere might generate on a risk-adjusted basis.
Also factor in ongoing capital expenditure, including roofs, boilers, kitchens, and bathrooms all have finite lifespans, and inherited properties often have deferred maintenance that has not yet become visible. A realistic assessment of likely capital spend over a ten-year holding period can materially change the financial case.
Finally, account for CGT on an eventual sale in any scenario where you keep the property. The gain accrues over time, and a property you hold for ten years may generate a much larger CGT bill than one you sell within months of inheritance.
Practical considerations
Time and expertise — being a landlord requires knowledge, time, and temperament. If you are already busy, lack property management experience, or find the idea of dealing with tenants or maintenance issues stressful, selling may provide peace of mind that outweighs any financial benefit from holding. If you do want to self-manage, our property management app significantly reduces the administrative burden and keeps you compliant.
Geographic factors — managing a rental property far from where you live creates real challenges. Unless rental income substantially exceeds professional management costs, distant properties often generate more stress than return.
Portfolio diversification — if the inherited property represents a large proportion of your total wealth, selling and diversifying across multiple asset classes may reduce risk, even if the property appears to be a reasonable investment in isolation.
Family significance — inheriting a childhood home or a property with strong personal connections creates emotional complexity. These feelings are valid, but they should not override sound financial analysis. Sometimes the best way to honour a family legacy is to convert the asset into one that better serves your actual goals.
Getting professional advice
The financial stakes involved in selling inherited property, combined with the complexity of the tax and legal framework, make professional advice worthwhile for most people. Understanding when and how to seek help ensures you make informed decisions whilst avoiding costly mistakes.
When to consult a tax specialist
Consider consulting a qualified chartered accountant or tax adviser specialising in property and inheritance if:
The property has increased significantly in value since the date of death, creating a large potential CGT bill
Multiple beneficiaries are involved, particularly if you are selling shares between family members
You are considering living in the property first to access Private Residence Relief
You are unsure whether the probate valuation accurately reflects the market value at the date of death (a lower valuation reduces CGT on sale but may have increased IHT, these need to be considered together)
The property is being sold to a connected person, such as a sibling or other family member
The cost of good tax advice is invariably less than the cost of a missed planning opportunity or an inadvertent error on your CGT return. The adviser's fees are also deductible as an allowable expense against the gain.
Legal support for the sale
Probate sales have additional legal complexity compared to standard property transactions. A solicitor experienced in this area will handle title verification, resolution of any Land Registry issues, contract preparation, compliance with disclosure obligations, and, where multiple beneficiaries are involved, ensuring that sale proceeds are distributed correctly. Fixed-fee conveyancing provides cost certainty and is widely available for straightforward inherited property sales.
Common questions about selling inherited property
Do I pay capital gains tax if I sell my inherited property to my sibling?
Yes — selling to a sibling is treated the same as selling to any third party for CGT purposes. You calculate the gain based on the difference between the probate valuation and the sale price. If you sell at below market value as a gift or part-gift, HMRC may base the CGT calculation on market value rather than the amount you actually receive, since transactions between connected persons are treated as taking place at arm's length. Professional advice before structuring any family transaction is important.
Is there a time limit on selling inherited property?
There is no legal requirement to sell within any specific period. You can keep the property indefinitely, let it out, live in it, or sell whenever you choose. From a tax perspective, however, selling shortly after probate tends to produce the lowest CGT liability because little appreciation in value will have occurred since the date of death. The probate valuation is typically fixed within six months of death, and selling during or shortly after this period often means no taxable gain arises at all.
Can I sell an inherited property before probate is granted?
You can market the property and accept an offer, but you cannot exchange contracts or complete the sale until the grant of probate (or letters of administration in an intestacy) is in hand. Buyers should always be made aware of the probate dependency upfront.
What happens if siblings disagree about selling an inherited property?
All co-owners must agree to sell. If one or more beneficiaries refuse and a resolution cannot be reached, any co-owner can apply to the court under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 (TOLATA) for an order to force a sale. The court has discretion in how it resolves such disputes and will consider all beneficiaries' circumstances. TOLATA applications are slow and expensive, so mediation is always worth attempting first.
How long do I have to live in an inherited house to avoid capital gains tax?
There is no minimum period that automatically eliminates CGT. Private Residence Relief exempts the period you genuinely occupy the property as your main home, plus the final nine months of ownership regardless of occupation. To maximise relief, you need to establish the property as your sole or main residence in a clear and demonstrable way, and professional advice is essential if you simultaneously own another property, as HMRC may challenge a claim that does not reflect genuine occupation.
Do I need to pay inheritance tax before I can sell the property?
Inheritance tax is due on estates above the nil-rate band threshold and must generally be paid before probate is granted. HMRC does offer an instalment option for property assets, allowing IHT to be paid in ten annual instalments, but interest accrues on the outstanding balance. Many executors arrange finance to pay the IHT upfront, then repay it from sale proceeds. The IHT liability is settled by the estate, not by individual beneficiaries from their own funds.
What documents do I need to sell an inherited property?
Grant of probate or letters of administration
Property title deeds (or evidence of Land Registry title)
Gas Safety Certificate and Electrical Installation Condition Report (if the property has been let)
Tenancy agreement, deposit protection certificate, and rent payment history (if selling with a tenant in place)
Building regulations certificates for any works carried out
Property information forms (completed with your solicitor)
Your next steps
Whether you have recently inherited a property or are planning ahead, the most important first step is to understand your financial position clearly. Commission a professional valuation, gather all documentation relating to the property, and take advice on the CGT implications before making any decisions about timing.
If you decide to keep the inherited property as a rental investment, even temporarily, setting up proper management systems from the outset protects you against compliance failures and makes the eventual sale process significantly smoother. See our pricing plans to find the right level of support for your portfolio.
If you decide to sell, engage quality professionals early. An estate agent with genuine local market knowledge, a solicitor experienced in probate sales, and a tax adviser who can guide you through the CGT implications. The cost of good professional advice is invariably less than the cost of getting it wrong.
Finally, do not rush decisions under pressure. There may be tax advantages to acting quickly, but taking time to understand your options and make considered choices usually produces better long-term outcomes than hasty decisions made during what is often an emotionally difficult period.
For landlords selling a buy-to-let that is not inherited property, see our separate guide on selling a rental property: what landlords need to consider.
Disclaimer: This article is a guide and is not intended to be relied upon as legal or professional advice, or as a substitute for it. August does not accept any liability for any errors, omissions or misstatements contained in this article. Every effort was made to be accurate at the time of writing. Always speak to a suitably qualified professional if you require specific advice or information.
Author
August Team
The August editorial team lives and breathes rental property. They work closely with a panel of experienced landlords and industry partners across the UK, turning real-world portfolio and tenancy experience into clear, practical guidance for small landlords.




