Selling inherited land
Inherited land may be a garden, field or development site, and it may still belong to an estate. Land Offers helps owners and authorised representatives explore a sale and potential buyers.
Tell us about your landClarify who can act for the land
Tell us whether you are an owner, executor, administrator, beneficiary or adviser. Explain whether the land has already been transferred or is still being dealt with as part of the estate.
Probate procedures differ between England and Wales and Northern Ireland; Scotland uses confirmation. The solicitor handling the estate can confirm who has authority to agree and sign a sale and what documents are required.
- Where the land is and where the estate is being administered.
- Who is handling the estate and who else is involved in decisions.
- Whether the relevant grant or confirmation has been obtained, if known.
Find out what the estate actually holds
Identify the plot or parcel and gather the ownership records already available. Say whether the deceased owned it alone or with others, and whether there are mortgages, occupiers or agreements you know about.
In England and Wales, HM Land Registry’s guidance distinguishes the steps for a sole owner and a joint owner who has died. Ask your solicitor to check the records and the procedure that applies; do not assume the land must first be registered in your own name to discuss a sale.
Discuss sale decisions and costs together
If several people are involved, establish who will coordinate the enquiry and how decisions will be approved. Decide whether you are considering all the land or a particular parcel, and mention any other interested buyers or agent instruction.
Ask the estate’s solicitor and tax adviser about the proposed sale before committing to terms. Any work or introductions by Land Offers, our role and who pays any fees are agreed separately.
Start with a brief description
Share the location, land type, approximate size if known and your connection to it. Say what is still being checked. There is no need to put a will, identity documents or confidential estate papers into the initial enquiry form.
Questions about selling your land
Can I enquire while the estate is still being administered?
Yes. Explain your role and the stage reached. Your enquiry does not establish authority to sell or commit the estate; the person handling the estate should confirm the appropriate next steps.
Can a beneficiary send the initial enquiry?
Yes, provided you explain that you are a beneficiary. Who may approve and sign a sale needs to be confirmed separately with the estate’s solicitor.
Do I need to transfer the land into my name first?
Do not assume that a personal transfer is the required first step. The answer depends on the ownership and estate arrangements. Ask the solicitor handling the estate whether it should be sold by the estate or transferred before a later sale.