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Why using a homesitter is beneficial during probate
Posted on 25 September, 2017
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Earlier this year the Government dropped controversial plans to increase probate fees[i] that would have seen a new sliding scale introduced, based on the value of an estate, instead of the current flat fee.
Around half of deaths in England and Wales go through probate[ii], and if there is property as part of the estate it can cause a great deal of extra worry for families at a difficult time.
On average probate can take between six and nine months, and as many insurers won’t cover a property left unoccupied for 30 days or more, many people are turning to homesitters to keep a property secure.
A homesitter will stay in the property to ensure it looks occupied and doesn’t become a target for burglars.
Unfortunately burglars are keen readers of obituaries and death notices, making homes left unoccupied vulnerable to theft. Properties are also at risk from damp and potential weather related issues, such as flooding and burst pipes.
Police and insurers therefore often recommend that someone moves into a deceased’s home before the funeral takes place and stays whilst probate is granted.
Employing a homesitter can be a good solution if there is no family member available to do this and probate sits are a growing part of our business. We are used to moving fast to protect high-risk properties and can provide live-in homesitters to protect against burglary and damage, as well as care for possessions and any pets.
This means the home is still protected by insurance, and it also gives people time to remove valuable items or do up the home for sale once probate is granted. At what is often a very stressful time for families, having the property looked after by a professional can be hugely reassuring.
Homesitters Ltd has an extensive network of homesitters throughout the UK that are available to do long and short sits, including probate sits. The company is endorsed by several insurance companies and is often recommended to clients going through probate.
Click here for more information about our probate sits.
[i] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tax/news/probate-fee-fiasco-always-tax-not-fee/
[ii] http://www.itv.com/news/2017-04-21/planned-probate-fee-rise-scrapped-ahead-of-general-election/
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