Selling an Inherited House in BC: A Guide for Executors & Families

Losing a parent or a loved one is incredibly difficult. On top of the emotional weight, finding yourself responsible for managing an entire estate can quickly feel overwhelming. If you are trying to figure out what to do with a parent’s house after they pass away, you are not alone.

At West Coast House Buyers, we have walked this path with many families throughout the Lower Mainland and Greater Vancouver. We know that dealing with the legal steps, sorting through personal belongings, and managing real estate can be exhausting. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.

What to Do with a Parent's House After They Pass Away?

When a property is left behind, the responsibility usually falls on the named executor or administrator of the estate. Before any real estate can be officially transferred to a buyer, British Columbia law typically requires the estate to go through a court-supervised legal process known as probate.  

The BC probate real estate process validates the will and confirms who has the legal authority to manage and distribute the property. Because this court process can take several months, typically three-seven months, many families find themselves stuck maintaining an empty house, paying for insurance, utilities, and property taxes out of pocket while they wait.  In addition, probate fees can range between $3,500 and $7,500 (plus PST/GST and out-of-pocket court filing/disbursement costs).

Selling an Inherited Property Before Probate is Complete

One of the most common questions we get from local families is: “Can I sell a house before probate is granted in BC?”  

The short answer is yes, you can start the process. While a real estate transaction cannot officially close and transfer titles at the Land Title Office until the court grants probate, you do not have to wait around for months to find a solution.  

We offer flexible options designed to fit whatever your family feels most comfortable with:

Option 1: Put the house under contract early, close after probate.

We can step in, evaluate the property, and agree on a purchase agreement before probate is complete. The contract is explicitly written to protect the estate, stating that the actual closing date will take place shortly after the court grants probate. This gives your family peace of mind and certainty, knowing the house is sold while the legal paperwork catches up.

Option 2: Receive a price now, sign when probate finishes.

If you prefer not to sign formal paperwork yet, that is completely fine. We can meet with you, inspect the property, and let you know our purchase price. The moment your probate is granted, we will sign the paperwork and move straight to a quick closing.

No matter which path you choose, we buy inherited properties exactly as they are. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on renovations, hire junk removal services, or stage the home for endless public showings. You can leave unwanted furniture or items behind, and we will take care of the rest.

What If You Can't Afford the BC Probate Fees?

In British Columbia, probate fees are tied directly to the total value of the estate. For a typical home in the Greater Vancouver Area, these court fees can easily amount to thousands of dollars.  

Because the court requires these fees to be paid before they will issue the Grant of Probate, many executors face a difficult "catch-22": they need to sell the house to get the money, but they need the money to pay the fees to sell the house.

If your family is in a bind and simply cannot afford the upfront probate fees, we can help. In rare situations where it is absolutely necessary, we can work directly with your estate lawyer to advance and pay the probate fees on your behalf to get the process moving. While this is an exception due to the significant risk involved, we are always willing to look at creative options to help a family move forward.

Talk to a Compassionate, Local Property Buyer

Whether you are just starting the probate process, looking for advice on your options, or ready to sell an inherited property without the stress of traditional listings, we are here to support you.

Contact West Coast House Buyers today for a confidential, no-obligation conversation about your property.