In many estates, property is both the greatest asset and the greatest liquidity challenge. While an estate may have considerable value on paper, that value remains locked as expenses and financial obligations continue. Until probate is granted, property cannot be sold, assets cannot be distributed, and funds cannot be accessed. This is why many estates are described as asset-rich but cash-poor.
At the same time, preserving property value during estate administration generally requires funding for insurance, utilities, security, maintenance, gardening, and emergency repairs. These obligations continue while estate funds remain inaccessible.
When obligations cannot be addressed, even valuable properties can lose value. Vacant properties are especially susceptible to deterioration as they remain unoccupied and unmonitored. Delayed maintenance and repairs can lower market value, create a ripple effect of additional problems and costs, and make
properties harder to insure and ultimately sell. By promptly addressing issues, executors can help maintain property value until administration is complete.
To address estate expenses in a timely manner, executors may need to consider alternative sources of liquidity. In these circumstances, InheritNOW, part of The Estate Registry’s suite of services, offers specialist funding solutions designed to help bridge the liquidity gap. Through InheritNOW, Estate Expense Loans provide a flexible draw-down facility to fund testamentary expenses throughout administration, including funeral costs, professional and legal fees, house repairs and maintenance, insurance, garden upkeep, and house clearance. Since repayment comes directly from the estate once administration is complete, executors can address essential expenses without assuming personal liability.
For many estates, the issue is rarely a lack of value; it is a lack of liquidity at the moment it is needed. Specialist funding solutions can help fund expenses, ensuring valuable assets are preserved as administration continues.
A practical example: How specialist funding solutions can help protect property value
Protecting property value during estate administration can be challenging as insurance, maintenance, and unexpected repairs often become pressing concerns. Vacant properties, in particular, are vulnerable to sudden problems that can threaten property value and create financial strain while estate funds cannot be
accessed to cover expenses.
In one case, an executor responsible for a vacant property urgently needed funding for repairs after a storm caused severe roof leaks that also resulted in extensive internal damage. Later, another storm destroyed the property’s boundary fence, increasing costs and further devaluing the property. With mounting repair needs, the executor approached InheritNOW to explore specialist funding options to help cover repair costs.
The Estate Expense Loan’s flexible draw-down facility provided access to funding as it was needed. Initially, £20,000 was underwritten and made available within 72 hours, allowing roofing invoices to be paid. Another £10,000 was approved and available within 24 hours to replace the boundary fence. The swift completion of the storm repairs helped protect the property’s value and enabled a successful sale.
