Probate costs vary significantly because they depend on several factors: the value and complexity of the estate, whether you use a solicitor, how many properties need valuing, and whether any beneficiaries owe Capital Acquisitions Tax. For a full breakdown of each fee type, see our guide to probate costs and fees in Ireland.
This article sets out average total costs for three estate types, breaks down each cost component, and explains how to estimate what your estate is likely to cost.
Average total cost by estate type
The total cost of probate depends primarily on the complexity of the estate. The table below shows typical ranges for three common scenarios. All figures include solicitor fees, Probate Office fees, valuations, and standard outlays. They do not include Capital Acquisitions Tax, which is a separate liability on each beneficiary.
Simple estate (one property, valid will, sole beneficiary)
€3,000–€6,000
Fixed solicitor fee, low Probate Office fee, one valuation
Moderate estate (property + investments, 2–4 beneficiaries)
€5,000–€10,000
Higher solicitor fee, multiple asset valuations, possible tax review
Complex estate (multiple properties, business interests, or foreign assets)
€10,000–€20,000+
Specialist solicitor, tax advisor, multiple valuations, potential CAT
Figures are indicative ranges based on published solicitor fee schedules and Probate Office fee bands. Actual costs depend on the specific estate.
| Estate Type | Typical Total Cost | What Drives the Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simple estate (one property, valid will, sole beneficiary) | €3,000–€6,000 | Fixed solicitor fee, low Probate Office fee, one valuation |
| Moderate estate (property + investments, 2–4 beneficiaries) | €5,000–€10,000 | Higher solicitor fee, multiple asset valuations, possible tax review |
| Complex estate (multiple properties, business interests, or foreign assets) | €10,000–€20,000+ | Specialist solicitor, tax advisor, multiple valuations, potential CAT |
What makes up the total cost
Probate costs are made up of several distinct components. Understanding each one helps you anticipate the total and spot anything missing from a solicitor's quote. All probate costs except Capital Acquisitions Tax are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries.
Solicitor fees
€2,000–€10,000+ (plus VAT at 23%)
Estate
Probate Office filing fee
€100–€1,300+
Estate (executor pays upfront)
Property valuation
€250–€500 per property
Estate
Tax advisor fees (based on typical market rates)
€500–€3,000+
Estate (if tax complexity exists)
Statutory advertisements
€200–€500
Estate
Miscellaneous outlays
€200–€800
Estate
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT)
33% above threshold
Each beneficiary individually
All professional fees are subject to VAT at 23%. Probate Office filing fees do not attract VAT.
| Cost Component | Typical Range | Paid By |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitor fees | €2,000–€10,000+ (plus VAT at 23%) | Estate |
| Probate Office filing fee | €100–€1,300+ | Estate (executor pays upfront) |
| Property valuation | €250–€500 per property | Estate |
| Tax advisor fees (based on typical market rates) | €500–€3,000+ | Estate (if tax complexity exists) |
| Statutory advertisements | €200–€500 | Estate |
| Miscellaneous outlays | €200–€800 | Estate |
| Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) | 33% above threshold | Each beneficiary individually |
Solicitor fees: the largest cost
Solicitor fees are the biggest single expense in most probate cases. Fees typically range from €2,000 to €10,000 or more, plus VAT at 23%. The cost depends on the fee model the solicitor uses: fixed fee, percentage of estate value, or hourly rate. For a detailed comparison of these models, see our guide to solicitors' fees for probate in Ireland.
Fixed fees are the most common approach for straightforward estates and typically range from €2,000 to €5,000 plus VAT. One Dublin firm publishes an average fee of €4,500 plus VAT for standard probate work. Percentage-based fees of 1% to 3% of the gross estate value are less common but still used, particularly for larger estates.
Under Section 150 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015, your solicitor must provide a written costs notice before starting any work. This notice must set out the fees that will be charged, include VAT and likely outlays, and provide a cooling-off period of up to 10 working days. Always get at least two written quotes and confirm exactly what each covers.
Probate Office filing fees
The Probate Office charges a filing fee based on the net value of the Irish estate. These fees are set by statutory instrument and are separate from solicitor fees. Solicitor applications attract lower fees than personal applications — roughly half the cost at each band.
For example, an estate with a net value of up to €500,000 costs €350 for a solicitor application or €700 for a personal application. At the top of the standard scale, an estate up to €1,000,000 costs €650 (solicitor) or €1,300 (personal). For a full fee table, see our Probate Office fees guide.
Property valuation costs
Revenue requires a market value assessment at the date of death for any property in the estate. A formal property valuation by a chartered surveyor typically costs €250 to €500 per property. Use a surveyor registered with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) to ensure the valuation is accepted by Revenue.
If the estate contains multiple properties, each one needs a separate valuation. For a moderate estate with two properties, valuation costs alone could reach €500 to €1,000. This is a cost that DIY applicants and solicitor-assisted applicants both face equally.
Tax advisor fees
Not every estate needs a tax advisor. A tax review is typically recommended when the estate has potential Capital Acquisitions Tax liabilities, cross-border assets, business interests, or agricultural property that may qualify for reliefs. Based on typical market rates, tax advisor fees generally range from €500 to €3,000 or more, plus VAT, depending on the complexity of the tax position.
Capital Acquisitions Tax itself is charged at 33% on the amount of an inheritance that exceeds the beneficiary's tax-free group threshold. As of 2 October 2024, the Group A threshold (parent to child) is €400,000, Group B (siblings, nieces, nephews) is €40,000, and Group C (all others) is €20,000. CAT is paid by the beneficiary, not from the estate, but the executor must ensure beneficiaries understand their potential liability.
Other costs to budget for
Several smaller costs add up during probate. Statutory advertisements — newspaper notices published under Section 49 of the Succession Act 1965 to protect the executor against unknown creditors — typically cost €200 to €500. Miscellaneous outlays including postage, certified copies, Land Registry fees, and oath administration fees generally total €200 to €800.
If a property in the estate needs to be transferred to a beneficiary or sold, conveyancing fees apply separately. These typically range from €1,500 to €3,000 plus VAT and are usually not included in a solicitor's probate fee quote.
DIY probate versus using a solicitor
Applying for probate yourself is significantly cheaper upfront. A personal application typically costs €500 to €2,000 in total, covering Probate Office filing fees, valuations, and outlays. However, personal applicants pay higher Probate Office fees and take on the risk of errors that can cause delays and additional costs.
Solicitor fees
€0
€2,000–€10,000+
Probate Office fee
€200–€1,300+
€100–€650+
Total typical range
€500–€2,000
€3,000–€12,000+
Risk of errors
Higher — mistakes can cause costly delays
Lower — professional checks reduce rejections
Best for
Simple estates with one property, clear will, no tax issues
Most estates, especially those with property, tax, or multiple beneficiaries
Comparison excludes property transfer fees, tax advisor fees, and Capital Acquisitions Tax, which apply equally to both routes.
| Factor | DIY (Personal Application) | With a Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitor fees | €0 | €2,000–€10,000+ |
| Probate Office fee | €200–€1,300+ | €100–€650+ |
| Total typical range | €500–€2,000 | €3,000–€12,000+ |
| Risk of errors | Higher — mistakes can cause costly delays | Lower — professional checks reduce rejections |
| Best for | Simple estates with one property, clear will, no tax issues | Most estates, especially those with property, tax, or multiple beneficiaries |
For simple estates with a valid will, one property, cooperative beneficiaries, and no tax complications, a personal application can work well. For anything more complex, professional help often saves money in the long run by preventing errors, reducing delays, and ensuring nothing is missed. See our guide to how long probate takes in Ireland for context on how delays affect costs.
How to estimate what your estate will cost
Every estate is different, but you can form a reasonable estimate by considering four questions. First, what is the net value of the estate? This determines the Probate Office filing fee band. Second, how many properties are in the estate? Each one needs a separate valuation. Third, is there likely to be a CAT liability for any beneficiary? If so, a tax review is recommended. Fourth, are there any complicating factors such as business assets, foreign assets, disputes, or a missing will?
When professional help is worth the cost
Professional help is recommended when the estate includes any of the following: multiple properties, business interests, assets in other countries, beneficiaries who may exceed their CAT threshold, disputes among beneficiaries, or no valid will (intestacy). In these situations, the solicitor's fee typically pays for itself by preventing errors, reducing delays, and ensuring tax reliefs are properly claimed.
If you have already started a probate application and hit a problem, a solicitor can take over from where you left off. You do not need to start the process again from scratch. The key is to get help before small issues become expensive ones.