Empty property calculator
An inherited home that stands empty costs money every month, and the way you sell it can change what the estate keeps by tens of thousands. Answer a few things and we'll show the holding cost, the likely tax, and which sale route nets the most.
The property address
Property type
Bedrooms
Council tax band
Condition
Where is it?
Probate or confirmation
How long has it been empty?
How quickly do you need it sold?
Estimate the value from the address, or type one in, and we'll do the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you pay council tax on an empty house after someone dies?
Not at first. While the estate waits for probate the home is exempt under Class F, and the exemption continues for six months after the grant is issued. After that the full bill is payable by the estate, and once the home has been empty for a year most councils add an empty homes premium of 100%, rising to 200% after five years.
Is normal home insurance valid on an empty property?
Usually not beyond 30 to 60 days. Most policies restrict or withdraw cover once a home is unoccupied, so you need unoccupied property insurance. Tell the insurer as soon as the home is empty; a claim on a lapsed policy is the most expensive mistake in this whole process.
Is there capital gains tax when you sell an inherited house?
There is no tax on the value at the date of death. Tax applies only to the rise in value between that date and the sale, less selling costs. The estate gets a £3,000 annual exempt amount and pays 24% on residential gains. If beneficiaries take ownership before the sale, each gets their own allowance, which often costs less overall.
Can you sell a house before probate is granted?
You can market it and accept an offer, but you cannot complete the sale until the grant is issued, unless the property passed automatically to a surviving joint owner. Many sales fall through because the timing was never explained to the buyer, so tell the agent and the buyer where the application stands.
What does clearing a house cost?
Most three bedroom homes cost between £600 and £1,500 to clear, depending on how full they are and how much has to go to a licensed tip. Firms that resell items sometimes offset part of the cost. Always use a waste carrier registered with the Environment Agency or SEPA.
