Skip to main content
WUHLD
← Back to articles

How Much Does a Will Cost in the UK?

· 23 min

Note: The following scenario is fictional and used for illustration.

Emma thought getting a will would be simple. At 38 with two children and a £320,000 house, she knew she needed one.

She called three local solicitors. Quotes came back at £495, £650, and £720—and none included storage fees, which added another £89 per year. "For a document that should take an hour to write?" she thought.

She looked at DIY will kits for £30, but worried: would it be legally valid? Would she miss something critical?

Meanwhile, 56% of UK adults have no will at all, many citing cost as a barrier. Yet dying without a will could cost your family far more—the wrong people inherit, and your estate could be tied up in legal fees for years.

The truth is: UK will costs vary wildly, from free (with caveats) to £1,500+ for complex estates. But most people don't need expensive solicitor appointments—they need clear guidance on how to make a will and legally sound documents at a fair price. Compare online will vs solicitor options to find the best value.

This guide breaks down exactly what every will-writing option costs in 2025, what's included, what hidden fees to watch for, and how to get the best value for your situation.

Table of Contents

The Real Cost of UK Wills in 2025: Complete Price Breakdown

UK will costs range from £0 to £1,500+, but the "headline price" rarely tells the full story.

Here's what you'll actually pay across all five main options, including the hidden costs that catch people out.

Method Upfront Cost Storage Fees (Annual) Amendment Fees 5-Year Cost Time Required Legal Validity Best For
DIY Kits £20-£40 £0 £20-£40 (new kit) £40-£60 2-3 hours Valid if done correctly Very simple estates only
Online Services (WUHLD) £99.99 £0 £99.99 (new will) £99.99 15 minutes Legally valid Most straightforward estates
Online Services (Others) £100-£160 £0-£10/year £0-£70 £100-£210 15 mins-1 hour Legally valid Straightforward estates
High-Street Solicitors £150-£720 £50-£89/year £70-£200 £400-£1,165 2-4 weeks Legally valid All estates, especially complex
Free Options £0 (age 55+) Varies Varies £0-£350 2-4 weeks Legally valid Simple estates, if eligible

The average UK adult will update their will 3-4 times over their lifetime—factor in amendment costs when comparing prices.

According to Canada Life's February 2024 research, 51% of UK adults don't have a will—with 26% citing "not enough assets" and 23% saying "plenty of time." But dying without a will can cost your family thousands in legal fees and months of delays. Learn about the probate process.

What Does a Solicitor Charge for a Will?

Solicitor will costs typically range from £125 to £720 for a single will, with the average around £350-£400 in 2025.

But that's just the starting point. Location, complexity, and hidden fees can dramatically increase the final bill.

Regional pricing varies significantly:

  • London: £400-£720
  • Major cities(Manchester, Birmingham): £250-£500
  • Regional towns: £125-£350

Most solicitors work on fixed fees for straightforward wills, but some charge hourly rates. From January 2025, solicitors' guideline hourly rates increased by 3.65% to match inflation—so expect prices to continue rising.

Five factors that increase solicitor costs:

  1. Business interests or partnership shares- Additional £200-£400 for business succession planning
  2. Multiple properties(especially overseas) - £150-£300 per additional property
  3. Trusts(especially for children or vulnerable beneficiaries) - £300-£600 extra
  4. Tax planning and inheritance tax mitigation- £400-£800 for sophisticated IHT strategies
  5. Family complexity(divorced, remarried, stepchildren) - £150-£400 for careful drafting

Hidden costs to ask about:

  • Home visits (£50-£150 extra)
  • Storage fees (£50-£89 per year—that's £1,000-£1,780 over 20 years)
  • Amendment fees (codicil £30-£200, full rewrite £150-£400)
  • Executor services if they also act as executor (1.5-2.5% of estate value)

David's £495 will quote became £665 after adding a £50 home visit, £70 rush fee (he wanted it done before holiday), and £50 first year storage. Nobody mentioned those costs upfront.

When solicitors make sense: You should consider using a solicitor if you have significant business assets, agricultural land, overseas property with complex inheritance rules, existing trusts you need to coordinate with, inheritance tax above £2 million requiring sophisticated planning, or ongoing family disputes likely to result in challenges.

These are typical price ranges; individual solicitor fees vary. Always request a written fee quote before proceeding.

Online Will Writing Services: What You Actually Get

Online will services have revolutionised UK will writing, offering solicitor-quality documents at a fraction of the cost—but not all online services are equal.

Here's what you'll actually pay and receive from major providers:

Provider Single Will Cost Couple/Mirror Wills Storage/Update Fees Phone Support Documents Included
WUHLD £99.99 £99.98 (2 separate) £0 (no subscriptions) Online only Will + 3 guides
Farewill £100 £160 £10/year unlimited updates Phone support £240+ Will + storage
Co-op Legal £150 £234 Included Phone consultation Will + phone support
Which? Wills £115-£250+ Varies Annual storage Varies by tier Depends on tier

What to look for in online will services:

  1. Legal validity - Drafted by qualified legal professionals, follows Wills Act 1837
  2. Clear guidance on execution requirements (signing, witnessing)
  3. No hidden subscriptions or "update fees" that compound over time
  4. Comprehensive support documentation 5. ** Ability to preview** before committing to payment

Research from MoneySavingExpert shows online wills can save £150-£600 compared to solicitors, with identical legal validity for straightforward estates.

WUHLD's unique advantage: Unlike most online services, WUHLD lets you complete your entire will, preview all four documents (your will, witness guide, testator guide, and estate information document), and only pay £99.99 when you're 100% satisfied. No credit card required to start. No subscriptions ever.

You can start your will today and preview it completely free before making any payment decision.

DIY Wills: The £30 Option That Could Cost Your Family Thousands

DIY will kits cost £20-£40 from WHSmith, Amazon, or stationers—but solicitors report that up to 30% contain errors that could make them partially or fully invalid.

What DIY kits include:

  • Template will form with fill-in-the-blank sections
  • Basic instructions (often just 2-3 pages)
  • Envelope for storage
  • Sometimes witness guidance

What they DON'T include:

  • Legal guidance on complex situations
  • Personalised advice for your circumstances
  • Error checking or validation
  • Updates when laws change
  • Execution validation

Five common DIY will mistakes that invalidate wills:

  1. Improper witnessing- Witnesses who are beneficiaries, only one witness, or witnesses not present simultaneously
  2. Ambiguous language- "My estate to my children" when you have stepchildren—who inherits?
  3. Missing legal requirements- Signature placement, attestation clause, proper dating
  4. Contradictory clauses- Naming same person as executor and excluding them as beneficiary
  5. Not accounting for lapse- Beneficiary dies before you, no alternative named

Margaret used a £35 DIY will from WHSmith. She named her daughter Sarah as executor and left "everything to my children."

When she died, a dispute arose: did this include her stepson Tom? The will was unclear. Legal fees to resolve: £8,400. Time to settle estate: 18 months instead of 3.

When DIY might work: DIY wills can work if you have a very simple estate (under £100k, no property), you're leaving everything to one person (spouse), you have no children or dependents, you're comfortable with legal language, and you're meticulous about following signing requirements.

The truth? A £30 DIY will is only cheap if it works. If it doesn't, your family pays the real cost in legal disputes, delays, and stress during an already difficult time.

Free Will Options in the UK: Who Qualifies and What's the Catch?

Several legitimate free will-writing options exist in the UK—but they come with eligibility restrictions or donation expectations.

Free Wills Month (March & October): Free Wills Month offers people aged 55 and over the opportunity to have simple wills written free by participating solicitors.

  • Eligibility: Age 55+ (for couples, only one needs to be 55+)
  • How it works: Network of solicitors write simple wills at no charge
  • Participating charities: Age UK, British Heart Foundation, NSPCC, Macmillan, RNLI, and 15+ others
  • The catch: Appointments are limited and book up fast (often within days of opening)
  • Expectation: You're encouraged to leave a charitable bequest, but NOT obligated
  • Best for: Over-55s with straightforward estates who plan ahead

Will Aid (November):

  • Suggested donation: £120 single will, £200 mirror wills (but you can give less)
  • Proceeds go to: 9 partner charities including ActionAid, Age UK, Christian Aid
  • How to book: Opens in September, book through participating solicitors

Individual charity services:

  • Macmillan: Anyone 18+, year-round, free will in exchange for considering a charitable gift
  • Stroke Association: Age 60+ or stroke survivors 18+
  • British Red Cross: Year-round service

All free will services are for simple wills only. Complex estates with trusts, business assets, or significant tax planning will require paid professional services.

Reality check: Free wills are excellent if you qualify and your estate is simple. But if you're under 55, need your will urgently, or want more comprehensive guidance, a low-cost online service like WUHLD (£99.99) offers more flexibility for a modest investment.

This is a general guide. If you're unsure whether your estate is straightforward, we recommend a free consultation with a solicitor or will-writing specialist.

What Influences the Cost of Your Will? Complexity Factors Explained

Will costs increase with complexity—but what makes a will "complex"? Here's how to assess your situation.

Six factors that increase will complexity (and cost):

  1. Estate value above £325,000 (IHT threshold) Basic will adequate below this; above requires tax planning discussion. If above £2M, consider solicitor for sophisticated IHT strategies (£600-£1,200).

  2. Multiple properties UK property straightforward with online services. Overseas property may require separate will in that country (£400-£800 additional).

  3. Business ownership Sole trader or simple partnership okay for online services. Multiple shareholders, complex partnerships, or agricultural land require solicitor expertise (£500-£1,200).

  4. Family structure Married or unmarried with children straightforward. Divorced with stepchildren, estranged relatives, or dependents with disabilities adds complexity requiring careful drafting.

  5. Specific gifts and conditions Simple asset distribution straightforward with online services. Conditional bequests ("X inherits if they graduate university") require solicitor drafting (£300-£600).

  6. Trusts No trusts = online service fine. Simple trusts for minor children straightforward. Complex lifetime trusts for tax planning or vulnerable beneficiaries = solicitor required (£600-£1,200).

Self-assessment checklist: Your estate is straightforward if you can answer YES to all of these:

  1. Your estate is under £325,000 OR you're married and leaving everything to your spouse first
  2. All your property is in the UK
  3. You don't own a business (or own a very simple sole trader business)
  4. Your family structure is straightforward (married or unmarried with biological children)
  5. You want simple distributions (percentages or specific amounts to named people)
  6. You don't need ongoing trusts (beyond simple trusts for children until age 18)

If you answered YES to all 6, a £99.99 online will from WUHLD will be legally valid and comprehensive. If you answered NO to 2 or more, consider a solicitor consultation (many offer free 15-minute assessments).

Real scenarios: Simple:

James (32), unmarried, no children, £120k estate, leaves everything to parents if he dies. WUHLD: £99.99 Complex:

Sarah (48), divorced, remarried, 3 children from first marriage, 1 from second, £800k estate including half a rental property abroad, wants lifetime interest trust for new spouse then children. Solicitor: £650-£950

Hidden Costs and Ongoing Fees: The Fine Print Nobody Tells You

The advertised price is rarely the full cost. Here are the hidden fees that catch people out.

Six hidden costs to watch for:

  1. Storage fees: £50-£89 per year with solicitors; free or £10/year with online services. Over 20 years: £1,000-£1,780.

  2. Update/amendment fees:Codicil with solicitor £30-£200; full rewrite £150-£400; some online services charge £10/year for unlimited updates (£200 over 20 years).

  3. Courier/printing fees: Some services charge £10-£25 to post physical documents.

  4. Subscription creep:"Free for the first year then £9.99/month" models—read the fine print carefully.

  5. Executor services: If solicitor is named as executor, they charge 1.5-2.5% of estate value when you die (on £300k estate: £4,500-£7,500).

  6. Additional document fees: Many services charge extra for guidance documents, witness instructions, or letter of wishes (WUHLD includes all 4 documents free).

Questions to ask every provider:

  1. "What is the total cost including VAT?"
  2. "Are there any annual storage or subscription fees?"
  3. "How much do amendments cost after the initial will is done?"
  4. "Are witness guides and execution instructions included?"
  5. "If I name you as executor, what percentage of my estate will you charge?"

True cost comparison over 20 years:

  • Solicitor (£400 + £75/year storage + 2 updates at £150): £2,050 - ** Online with subscription** (£100 + £10/year updates): £300 - ** WUHLD** (£99.99 one-time): £99.99 WUHLD's promise: £99.99. Once. Ever. No storage fees. No subscriptions. No hidden charges. Updates are free forever—no additional cost when your circumstances change.

Comparing Value: What Should You Actually Expect for £50, £150, £400?

Understanding what you get at each price point helps you pay for what you need—not what you don't.

£20-£40 (DIY Kits):

  • What you get: Template forms, basic instructions
  • What you don't get: Legal advice, error-checking, updates
  • Best for: Very simple estates, legally confident individuals
  • Risk level: High (if done incorrectly)

£50-£100 (Budget Online Services like WUHLD):

  • What you get: Guided online process, legally valid documents, witness instructions, execution guidance, storage flexibility
  • What you don't get: Phone support (WUHLD is 100% online), complex trust drafting, tax planning advice
  • Best for: Straightforward estates, most UK adults under age 60 with typical assets
  • Risk level: Low (as long as you answer questions accurately)

£150-£250 (Mid-Tier Online or Phone Services):

  • What you get: Everything in budget tier PLUS phone consultation, more hand-holding
  • What you don't get: Face-to-face meetings, bespoke complex drafting
  • Best for: People who want reassurance of speaking to a professional
  • Risk level: Very low

£400-£720 (Solicitor-Written Wills):

  • What you get: Face-to-face or phone consultations, bespoke drafting, complex trust structures, tax planning, professional executor services
  • What you don't get: Fast turnaround (usually 2-4 weeks)
  • Best for: Complex estates, significant IHT concerns, business assets, family disputes
  • Risk level: Minimal

The value sweet spot: For 85% of UK adults, a £50-£100 online will provides everything you legally need. You're not paying for unnecessary hand-holding or office overheads—you're paying for a legally sound document that protects your family.

That's value.

Higher price doesn't always mean better quality. A £650 solicitor will for a simple estate isn't more "legally valid" than a £99.99 online will—you're paying for time and expertise you may not need.

Is a £99.99 Will Legally Valid? Quality vs Price Myths Debunked

The most common question about online wills: "Can a £50 will be just as legally valid as a £500 solicitor will?"

The answer: absolutely yes.

What makes a will legally valid in UK law (Wills Act 1837):

  1. You must be 18+ and of sound mind
  2. The will must be in writing
  3. You must sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses
  4. Both witnesses must sign in your presence
  5. Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries (or married to beneficiaries)

That's it. There's no requirement to use a solicitor. There's no "grade" of validity based on price.

For complete details on these requirements, see our guide on UK will requirements.

What you're actually paying for with solicitors:

  • Time (appointments, drafting, revisions)
  • Office overheads (rent, staff, insurance)
  • Complex drafting expertise (for trusts, tax planning)
  • Reassurance and hand-holding
  • Professional indemnity insurance

None of these make the will "more valid"—they add expertise and service for complex situations.

What online services like WUHLD provide:

  • Structured guidance to gather all required information
  • Pre-drafted legally compliant clauses
  • Clear execution instructions
  • Witness guide to ensure proper signing

The legal validity is identical. You save money by removing face-to-face time and office overheads.

According to Citizens Advice: "You don't have to use a solicitor to make a will, but you may want to consider using one."

What makes a will INVALID (regardless of price):

  • Improper witnessing
  • Made under duress or undue influence
  • Testator lacked mental capacity
  • Doesn't comply with Wills Act 1837 formalities

A £30 DIY will that's properly witnessed is more valid than a £700 solicitor will that's improperly signed.

Real reassurance: WUHLD's £99.99 will is drafted using the same legal principles and statutory requirements as £500 solicitor wills. The difference? We've automated the guidance process, removed expensive office visits, and passed the savings to you.

Your will is legally sound, comprehensive, and will stand up to scrutiny—guaranteed.

How to Choose the Right Option for Your Budget and Needs

With options ranging from £0 to £1,500, how do you choose? Use this decision framework.

Decision tree: 1. Are you 55+ with a simple estate and can wait 3-6 months?

  • YES → Apply for Free Wills Month (March or October)
  • NO → Go to Q2

2. Is your estate under £325k with no business assets, overseas property, or complex trusts?

  • YES → Online will service is perfect for you (WUHLD recommended at £99.99)
  • NO → Go to Q3

3. Do you need sophisticated inheritance tax planning, have assets above £2M, or agricultural land?

  • YES → Book solicitor consultation (£400-£1,200)
  • NO → Mid-tier online with phone support (£150-£250) or solicitor

Quick recommendation guide: Choose DIY (£30) if:

  • Your estate is under £50k
  • You're leaving everything to one person
  • You have no children
  • You're confident with legal documents

Choose WUHLD (£99.99) if:

  • Your estate is under £500k
  • You have straightforward family structure
  • You want it done quickly (15 minutes)
  • You want complete guidance without paying for face-to-face time

Choose online with phone support (£150-£250) if:

  • You want the reassurance of speaking to someone
  • You have moderate complexity
  • You need hand-holding through the process

Choose solicitor (£400-£1,200) if:

  • Your estate is above £500k with complex assets
  • You need sophisticated IHT planning
  • You have business partnership agreements
  • Ongoing family disputes make will challenges likely

Value calculation: Ask yourself: How much is my time worth?

If a solicitor costs £650 and takes 3 weeks with two appointments (4 hours of your time), vs WUHLD at £99.99 and 15 minutes online, you're saving £600 AND 3.75 hours.

For most people, that's the definition of value.

Final recommendation: For the 85% of UK adults with straightforward estates, WUHLD offers the best combination of affordability (£99.99), speed (15 minutes), and legal validity (identical to expensive solicitors).

You can preview your complete will free before paying a penny—no credit card required. If it doesn't feel right, you haven't lost anything. If it does, you've saved £600 and protected your family for less than the cost of a nice dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the cheapest way to make a will in the UK?

The cheapest option is Free Wills Month (March/October) for people 55+, offering free simple wills through participating solicitors. For under-55s, DIY will kits cost £20-£40, but online services like WUHLD (£49.99) offer better value with professional guidance and built-in validation.

Are expensive solicitor wills more legally valid than cheap online wills?

No, price doesn't determine legal validity. Both solicitor and online wills must meet the same requirements under the Wills Act 1837: made by someone 18+ of sound mind, in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses. A £49.99 online will is just as legally valid as a £650 solicitor will.

What hidden costs should I watch out for?

Common hidden costs include annual storage fees (£50-£89/year), amendment charges (£30-£200 per change), subscription models, and executor service fees (2-5% of your estate). Always ask about total costs over 5-10 years, not just the upfront price.

When should I pay extra for a solicitor?

Use a solicitor if you have complex assets (business interests, overseas property, trusts), estates above £2 million requiring tax planning, complicated family situations with potential disputes, or need ongoing legal advice. For straightforward estates under £500k, online services offer better value.

How often should I update my will and what does it cost?

Review your will every 3-5 years or after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new children, significant asset changes). Updates cost £30-£200 for codicils with solicitors, or £0-£70 with online services. Some online services include free updates for a year.

Can I write my own will or does it need to be witnessed?

You can write your own will, but it must be witnessed by two independent people who watch you sign it. They cannot be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries. Without proper witnesses, your will is invalid.

How much does a solicitor charge for a will in the UK?

Solicitors charge £125-£720 for a single will in the UK, with the average around £350-£400. Costs vary by region (London £400-£720, regional towns £125-£350) and complexity. Additional costs include storage (£50-£89/year) and amendments (£30-£200).

Is an online will legally valid in the UK?

Yes, online wills are legally valid in the UK if they comply with the Wills Act 1837: made by someone 18+ of sound mind, in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses who also sign. Price does not determine legal validity—a £99.99 online will is just as legally valid as a £650 solicitor will.

What is Free Wills Month and who qualifies?

Free Wills Month runs in March and October, offering people aged 55+ (or couples where one is 55+) free simple will writing by participating solicitors. Participating charities include Age UK, British Heart Foundation, and NSPCC. Appointments are limited and there's no obligation to leave a charitable gift.

How much does it cost to update a will in the UK?

Updating a will costs £30-£200 for a codicil (amendment) with a solicitor, or £150-£400 for a full rewrite. Some online services charge £0-£10/year for unlimited updates. It's recommended to review your will every 3-5 years or after major life changes.

Is it worth paying for a solicitor to write a will?

It's worth using a solicitor if you have complex assets (business interests, trusts, overseas property, estates above £2M requiring tax planning). For straightforward estates under £500k with simple family structures, an online service like WUHLD (£99.99) provides identical legal validity at a fraction of the cost.

Making Your Will: Quality Protection at the Right Price

Key takeaways:

  • UK will costs range from free (if you're 55+) to £1,500+ (complex estates), but most people need a £50-£250 option for legally valid protection
  • Solicitor wills (£125-£720) aren't "more legal"—you're paying for time, complex expertise, and face-to-face service you may not need
  • Watch for hidden costs: storage fees (£50-£89/year), amendment charges (£30-£200), and subscription models that compound over time
  • A properly executed £99.99 online will has identical legal validity to a £650 solicitor will—the Wills Act 1837 makes no distinction based on price
  • 56% of UK adults have no will, many citing cost—but dying without one could cost your family thousands in legal fees and months of delays

The cost of making a will isn't measured in pounds—it's measured in whether your family is protected.

A will that never gets written because you're waiting for the "right" (read: expensive) option protects no one. The best will is the one you actually make, and if £99.99 removes the final barrier between you and protecting your loved ones, that's not just good value—it's priceless peace of mind.

Start your will with WUHLD today—completely free, no credit card required.

Answer simple questions for 15 minutes, preview your complete will (plus witness guide, testator guide, and estate information document), and only pay £99.99 if you're completely satisfied. One payment, no subscriptions, no storage fees, ever.

Join thousands of UK families who've protected their loved ones for less than a tank of petrol.

Start Your Will Free – No Payment Required

Ready to Create Your Will?

WUHLD makes it simple to create a legally valid will online in just 15 minutes. Our guided process ensures your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected.

Start creating your will now — it's quick, affordable, and backed by legal experts.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.

Sources: