Inheriting a property can be emotionally and practically challenging. Alongside dealing with a bereavement, many people in Stoke-on-Trent are left trying to work out what to do with a house they didn’t plan to own.

If you’ve inherited a property locally, you generally have three options: keep it, rent it out, or sell it. This article focuses on selling and explains the routes available to you.

What does it mean to inherit a property?

An inherited property is usually passed on through a will, or under the rules of intestacy if there is no will. Before a property can be sold, the legal authority to deal with the estate normally needs to be in place.

This often involves probate, which can feel confusing if you’ve never dealt with it before.

Do you need probate before selling?

In many cases, yes, probate is required before a sale can complete. However, it’s often possible to:

• Start marketing the property
• Receive offers
• Instruct solicitors

before probate has fully been granted.

This can save valuable time once probate is finalised.

For a full overview of how selling an inherited property works, see our dedicated page below.

👉 https://www.jeffriespropertybuyers.co.uk/services/inherited-property

Common challenges with inherited properties in Stoke-on-Trent

Inherited properties in Stoke-on-Trent often come with additional complications, such as:

• Older or unmodernised homes
• Properties needing repairs
• Houses left empty for long periods
• Multiple beneficiaries with different opinions

These issues can make selling through an estate agent more difficult or time-consuming.

Selling an inherited property through an estate agent

Using an estate agent can be an option if:

• The property is in good condition
• There’s no urgency
• All beneficiaries agree

However, this route can involve:

• Months of waiting
• Ongoing costs (insurance, council tax, utilities)
• Risk of the sale falling through

For many families, this uncertainty adds stress at an already difficult time.

Selling an inherited property to a cash buyer

Many people in Stoke-on-Trent choose to sell inherited properties to a cash buyer because it offers:

• A faster sale
• No requirement to renovate or clear the property
• Fewer delays and less uncertainty

Cash buyers are often happy to purchase properties as they are, including those with contents still inside.

You can see how a direct sale works on our residential home buying page, which explains the process step by step.

👉 https://www.jeffriespropertybuyers.co.uk/we-buy/residential

What if there are multiple beneficiaries?

If more than one person has inherited the property, all beneficiaries usually need to agree to the sale. Disagreements can delay matters, especially if:

• One person wants to keep the property
• Another wants to sell quickly
• Someone lives far away

In these situations, a quick, straightforward sale can sometimes help everyone move forward without prolonged discussions.

What happens to the contents of the house?

Inherited properties often still contain furniture and personal belongings. Clearing a house can be emotionally and physically draining.

Some buyers will:

• Allow contents to remain
• Give time to remove personal items
• Purchase the property with contents included

This can significantly reduce stress for families.

Is selling an inherited property the right choice?

Selling may be the right option if:

• You don’t want the responsibility of managing the property
• The house needs work
• You want to avoid ongoing costs
• You’d prefer a clean, simple resolution

Every situation is different, but many people find that selling allows them to focus on what matters most.

Final thoughts

Selling an inherited property in Stoke-on-Trent doesn’t have to be complicated. Understanding your options — and choosing a route that fits your circumstances — can make the process far more manageable.

If you’re dealing with an inherited property and want clarity on the next steps, knowing how the process works puts you back in control.

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