Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Inheritance · Property
Inheriting a house together
Probatefirst
Sellor keep
Buy-outoption
CGTon gains
In short: When siblings inherit a house, the executors usually need a grant of probate before it can be sold or transferred. The main options are to sell and split the proceeds, for one sibling to buy out the others, or to keep and let it. Get a professional valuation so everyone agrees a fair figure. Inheritance Tax is dealt with by the estate; Capital Gains Tax may apply on any rise in value after death. If you can't agree, mediation is cheaper than court, though co-owners can apply for an order for sale.
Sell
Simplest and clean; split the proceeds.
Buy-out
One sibling buys the others' shares at an agreed value.
Let it
Income for all, but needs agreement on management and costs.
Disagreement
Try mediation; court can order a sale as a last resort.
Frequently asked questions
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Do we need probate to sell?
Usually, yes.
Can one sibling refuse to sell?
A court can order a sale if co-owners can't agree.
