Auction House

Feast Field
Horsforth
Leeds
LS18

  • Telephone 0113 3933482
  • Fax 0113 2584616

Opening Times

Mon: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Tue: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Wed: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Thu: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Fri: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: CLOSED
Sun: CLOSED
Search

Selling properties in probate at auction can be quick, efficient whilst achieving a top cash price! Much useful information on probate matters is provided below.

Find Us on Facebook

Probate Property Service

For residential and commercial properties across Leeds, Bradford and Wakefield West Yorkshire

The sale of Probate Properties can differ enormously due to differences in size, state and value, but the vast majority need to be sorted out, looked after and then sold. This process can be complex and comes at a time of emotional strain for the family and executors involved. Our comprehensive service is designed to take away the worry of dealing with the property before sale and attend to the issues that arise. We employ a sympathetic approach which is sensitive to family needs, but professional and responsive at the same time.

Valuation by an RICS Qualified Chartered Surveyors

Our probate service starts with a free of charge initial discussion with a qualified Chartered Valuation Surveyor who will assess your situation and requirements and then guide you on the best way to proceed. If necessary he will carry out a Probate Valuation and supply a detailed Report with Recommendations for sale. This is charged on a scale rate starting at £195 + VAT and will if required include an Insurance Valuation.

Recommendation Report

We will provide you with much more than a standard Value for Probate Purposes. Alongside this we will include advice on the best method of sale, on what might need to be done to the property to prepare it for sale, and on any clearance, tidying or improvements that would be beneficial. Our Report will be thorough and will include all of the property information required for the Executors to consider when making estate planning decisions.

Disposal of unwanted furniture and chattels

We have links with auctioneers who provide an independent valuation of furniture and chattels followed by a cost effective removal and sale of all unwanted items across Leeds, Wakefield and Bradford. Prior estimates will be supplied and a full and complete clearance carried out.

House cleaning after clearance and winter drain-down

Empty properties need to be prepared for sale or letting purposes. Our property management team can undertake clean up work, deal with security improvements and drain down the plumbing and heating systems.

Meter Readings and key holding

We can read the meters and act as key holders throughout the sale process.

Production of an EPC

All properties that are to be sold or let will require an up-to-date Energy performance Certificate (EPC) – We will organise this and supply copies and links to the required parties.

Garden tidy plus regular garden maintenance

Best Price will only be achieved if the property presents well, and the gardens need to be smartened up and maintained as part of this process. We have contractors who can undertake any initial tidy up and follow this with regular maintenance.

Assessment of Planning options

Probate properties often offer opportunities for extension or redevelopment; on some occasions there could be space for a building plot. Our Chartered Surveyor will consider and advise on the options.

Method of Sale guidance

We will advise on the right method of sale to achieve best price for the beneficiaries – it could be 'by Auction' if there are opportunities for improvement or by 'Private Treaty' if it is modern and in good condition. We occasionally advise 'Informal or Formal Tender' to help achieve best price in a required time-scale.

Single point of contact

As 'Agent for the Executors' we will act as the primary contact for all matters relating to the probate property. We will allocate an individual to be responsible and available on call.

The Rental alternative

On some occasions the Executors may choose to let the property for a period before selling. We run a highly successful Residential Lettings operation and will provide rental advise and offer a Management Service for the required period.

Commercial Property

Our auctions team handle the sale of commercial investments and vacant mixed use, industrial, commercial and other types of property. Re-letting can also be arranged plus advice given on alternative uses and desirable improvements.

What is Probate?

When someone dies somebody has to deal with their estate (money property and possessions left) by valuing the property holdings, collecting in all the money, paying any debts and distributing what is left to those people entitled to it. Probate is the court's authority; given to a person or persons to administer a deceased person's estate and the document issued by the Probate Service is called a Grant of Representation. This document is usually required by the asset holders as proof to show the correct person or persons have the Probate Service's authority to administer a deceased person’s estate. Without this order a probate property formerly belonging to the deceased person cannot be sold.

What is the Probate Service?

The Probate Service forms part of the Family Division of the High Court. It deals with 'non-contentious' probate business (where there is no dispute about the validity of a will or entitlement to take a grant), and issues grants of representation, either:

  • Probate (when the deceased person left a valid will and an executor is acting)
  • Letters of administration with will (when a person has left a valid will but no executor is acting)

or

  • Letters of administration (usually when there is no valid will).

These grants appoint people known as personal representatives to administer the deceased person’s estate.

Current structure of the Probate Service

The Probate Service is currently made up of:

  • The Principal Registry in London
  • 11 District Probate
  • 18 Probate Sub-Registries situated throughout England and Wales

There are also a number of Probate "offices" (usually a room in a court or local authority building) which staff attend, as necessary, to interview personal applicants.

The Probate Service is part of Her Majesty's Courts Service and has main offices (Probate Registries) in London, Cardiff, Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol, Ipswich, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Winchester. In addition to these, there are smaller offices (sub-Registries) in 18 other locations.

 

Leeds District Probate Registry

Coronet House
3rd Floor
Queen Street
Leeds West Yorkshire
England
LS1 2BA

If you have Probate Property to sell in Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford or West Yorkshire the Leeds District Probate Registry is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.00pm and appointments for interview at Leeds are arranged between Monday and Friday between the hours of 10.00am and 3.30pm, depending on demand.

There is on street parking outside the building. The cost for 40 minutes is £1.60.

The Probate Registry is on the 3rd floor and there is a lift. Anyone needing assistance should telephone the Registry.

Tel 0113 386 3540

Fax 0113 247 1893

Personal Application enquiries LeedsDPRenquiries@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk

 

Opening Times

Court building open 9.30 am     Court building closed     4.00 pm

Court counter open 9.30 am     Court counter closed     4.00 pm

 

To find out more about The Probate Service and access useful information, forms and leaflets click the link below:

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/GetForms.do

 

Sheffield Probate Sub-Registry

Click the link below if Sheffield is more convenient to you.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/Search.do?court_id=526

 

York Probate Sub-Registry

Click the link below if York is more convenient to you.

http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/HMCSCourtFinder/Search.do?court_id=694

 

Call us today on 0113 3933482 for an initial chat.