The cost of writing a will in the UK depends on three things: how complex your estate is, whether you use a solicitor or a specialist will writer, and where in the country you are. For most people — a single person or a couple with straightforward wishes — a professionally drafted will is far more affordable than they expect.
This guide sets out typical 2026 prices for different types of will, explains what drives the cost up, and helps you work out what level of service makes sense for your situation.
Typical will writing costs in the UK
The table below gives indicative price ranges for the most common types of will. These are professional fees only — they do not include the OPG registration fee for any LPAs you make alongside your will.
| Type of will | Will writer | Solicitor |
|---|---|---|
| Single basic will | £100 – £200 | £150 – £300 |
| Mirror wills (couple) | £180 – £350 | £250 – £450 |
| Single will with trust | £350 – £700 | £500 – £1,200 |
| Complex / high-value estate | £600+ | £1,000+ |
| Online / DIY will | £30 – £90 | — |
Prices are indicative based on market research as of June 2026. Actual quotes will vary by region and individual practice. Always ask for a fixed fee in writing before instructing.
Solicitor vs will writer: what is the difference in cost?
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and carry professional indemnity insurance as a condition of their registration. They tend to charge more, particularly in London and the South East, where hourly rates for private client work can reach £250 to £400.
Qualified will writers — those regulated by the Society of Will Writers or the Institute of Professional Willwriters — are not solicitors, but many have specific expertise in wills, trusts and estate planning that matches or exceeds that of a general solicitor. They typically charge less, and most offer fixed fees rather than hourly rates.
For a standard single will or mirror wills without complex trust arrangements, a regulated will writer is frequently the better value option. For estates involving significant business assets, property in more than one jurisdiction, or complex family structures, an SRA-regulated solicitor or a STEP-qualified practitioner is worth the higher fee.
What makes a will more expensive?
Several factors push the cost above the standard rate:
- Trusts. Adding a will trust — to protect assets for a vulnerable beneficiary, reduce inheritance tax or ring-fence assets in a second marriage — increases complexity significantly. Trust drafting is a specialist skill and is priced accordingly, typically from £350 upwards.
- Business interests. If you own a business, or shares in one, your will needs to address what happens to that interest. Business Property Relief and succession planning add time and expertise to the process.
- Property abroad. Assets in another jurisdiction — a holiday home in France or Spain, for instance — may require separate legal advice in that country. The EU Succession Regulation (which no longer applies to UK estates after Brexit) may still affect how foreign property is administered.
- Complex family arrangements. Blended families, unmarried partners with children from previous relationships, or estates where the testator wants to provide for a disabled beneficiary without affecting their benefits entitlement all require more careful drafting.
- Home visits. Many will writers and solicitors charge a supplement for attending you at home rather than meeting in their office, though some include it in the standard fee. Worth asking at the quote stage.
Fixed fee vs hourly rate
Most will writers charge a fixed fee — you know exactly what you will pay before any work begins. This is generally the better arrangement for clients. Some solicitors still charge by the hour, particularly for complex work, which makes the final bill harder to predict.
Always ask before instructing: Is this a fixed fee? What does it include? Are there any circumstances in which the fee could increase? A reputable professional will answer these questions clearly.
Is a cheaper will worth it?
A professionally drafted will from a regulated practitioner — whether a solicitor or a qualified will writer — is worth the cost. The risk with very cheap or DIY wills is not usually the upfront saving; it is the downstream cost when something goes wrong.
Common problems with poorly drafted or DIY wills include: invalid execution (not properly signed and witnessed), unclear or ambiguous gift clauses, failure to account for assets acquired after the will was made, and insufficient provision for dependants — which can be challenged under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Contesting a will in court is expensive, slow and distressing for the people you leave behind. The additional cost of a properly drafted will is, for most people, one of the better-value decisions they will make.
How to get a fair price
A few practical steps:
- Get at least two quotes. Most practitioners offer a free initial consultation.
- Ask for a fixed fee in writing before you instruct.
- Check the practitioner holds professional indemnity insurance.
- Look for membership of the SRA, STEP, Society of Will Writers or Institute of Professional Willwriters — all have codes of conduct and complaints procedures.
- Use our directory search to find qualified practitioners in your area and compare services directly.