What happens if you inherit a house you don't want?
Inheriting a house might sound like a financial windfall, but it can quickly become a burden if you have no interest in keeping the property. From legal responsibilities and ongoing costs to the time and stress of selling, many beneficiaries find themselves overwhelmed. This guide explains what happens if you inherit a home you don’t want, your options for selling, and why working with a home buying company like Habello can make the process faster and easier.
You don’t have to keep an inherited home, but you do become responsible for it. Here’s what to consider:
- You’re responsible for securing and maintaining the property, even if you don’t want it.
- Costs include council tax, insurance, utilities, and possible inheritance tax.
- Selling through the open market may take months and involve legal delays.
- If multiple heirs are involved, decisions must be made jointly.
- A fast cash sale can help avoid ongoing costs and simplify the process.
Your responsibilities as the new owner
Even if you don’t plan to live in or keep the home, inheriting a property comes with legal and financial duties.
Securing and maintaining the property
You’ll need to make sure the home is safe, secure and insured. If it sits empty, you may need unoccupied property insurance and regular visits to prevent damage or vandalism.
Paying bills and council tax
The estate covers bills until probate is complete. After that, the beneficiary or beneficiaries are responsible. If the house remains empty, you may still owe council tax, which can increase after 12 months.
Inheritance tax and debts
If the estate is liable for inheritance tax, it must be paid before the property can be sold or transferred. You may also need to cover any debts linked to the property, such as mortgages or loans.
How to decide whether to keep or sell an inherited house
Not everyone wants or needs to keep an inherited property. Here are some key factors to weigh up:
- Emotional ties.
- Rental potential and landlord responsibilities.
- Capital Gains Tax on future increases in value.
- Time, effort, and cost of maintaining a second home.
Common reasons people don’t want to keep an inherited home
There are many valid reasons to sell an inherited property:
- It needs significant renovation.
- It’s located far away.
- It was jointly inherited and is difficult to manage.
- It brings up emotional stress.
- You already own a home.
The true cost of keeping an unwanted home
Even if the home is mortgage-free, the ongoing costs can quickly add up.
What are your options if you don’t want the house?
Sell on the open market
You’ll need to complete probate, register the property, instruct an estate agent and manage the sale, which typically takes three to six months. You may get the highest price, but with added time, stress, and cost.
Sell at auction
Auctions offer speed and a fixed completion date but may result in a lower sale price. Entry fees and legal pack preparation are also required.
Sell to a family member or co-heir
This may suit situations where one heir wants to keep the property. A formal valuation is advisable and the buyer may need to secure a mortgage.
Disclaim the inheritance
If you haven’t yet accepted the property, you can formally refuse it through a deed of disclaimer. It must be done within two years of the death and before you receive any benefit.
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Can you refuse an inheritance if you don’t want the house?
Yes, but it must be done correctly. You must not have accepted any benefit from the property, such as rent or use. Once a deed of disclaimer is signed, the property passes to the next beneficiary. Always seek legal advice before disclaiming.
How long does it take to sell an inherited house?
Do I have to pay tax when I sell an inherited house?
Inheritance Tax is usually paid by the estate, but you may be liable for Capital Gains Tax if the value of the property has increased between the date of death and the date of sale. Selling quickly may help reduce exposure if the value remains close to the probate valuation.
Who is responsible for selling if multiple heirs inherit the house?
All beneficiaries must agree on the sale. One person may be appointed to manage the process, but consent is required from all parties. Habello can support sales involving multiple beneficiaries and split proceeds accordingly.
Preparing an unwanted inherited home for sale
If selling on the open market or via auction, you may need to:
- Clear out belongings.
- Arrange basic cleaning and repairs.
- Secure insurance.
- Check probate is in place.
If you sell to Habello, we buy as-is and handle the legal process, even mid-probate.
Can you sell during probate?
Yes. You can market and accept an offer, but the sale cannot legally complete until probate is granted. Habello is experienced in handling mid-probate sales, allowing you to move forward while waiting for paperwork.
Emotional and practical support
Inheriting a home after a bereavement is emotionally and practically challenging. You may find support through:
If you are navigating grief, shared ownership or conflict with co-heirs, know that you're not alone. We support homeowners in these exact situations.
Thinking of selling? We can help
Selling a home you don’t want doesn’t need to be slow, stressful or expensive. Whether you're mid-probate, dealing with co-heirs, or just want to move on quickly, Habello is here to help.
Why sell to Habello?
- Guaranteed cash offer.
- No fees or estate agents.
- Flexible completion timelines.
- Legal support included — even during probate.
Use our free calculator to get started.
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