How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the value of an estate does not determine whether or not it must go through the probate process. Instead, whether an estate must go through probate depends on a number of factors, including the type of assets that are in the estate and whether the deceased person left a valid will.

Generally, if the deceased person owned property or land, then their estate will need to go through probate regardless of its value. Probate will also be required if the deceased had assets in their own name that are worth more than a certain amount, even if they did not own property. The amount that triggers the probate process is set by the Treasury and it can change over time. As of 2021, this amount is £5,000 but it was expected to be increase to £50,000 by April 2021.

However, in certain cases, where the assets are held jointly and/or assets pass directly to a surviving joint owner or a beneficiary named in the will, probate may not be needed.

I would recommend you check with a solicitor to confirm whether probate is needed for a specific estate or not.