In what circumstances is probate not required?

There is no need for probate or letters of administration unless there are other assets that are not jointly owned. The property might have a mortgage. However, if the partners are tenants in common, the surviving partner does not automatically inherit the other person's share.

Is probate always necessary UK?

Probate is a legal process that's sometimes needed to deal with a deceased person's property, money and assets (their Estate). Probate is not always required for small Estates in England or Wales. This is because some assets up to a value of £5,000 can usually be transferred without going through the Probate process.