Mark - probate is always required if a sole legal owner has died. Whilst land/property can 'pass' to someone through a will/intestacy that's not enough to then transfer the legal ownership.
From your post it's unclear as to which legal title you are referring to and if so who is the registered legal owner
You may find our online assisted guidance a useful resource to work out what's needed to transfer the legal ownership -
HMLR Guide: Start - External · HM Land Registry