Administrations

[billcat]

If someone died intestate in Bucks in the 1700s and held property would an administration of their estate have been made and would the record still exist?

[Galium]

I would expect there to be an administration if there was property to be disposed of - although I think it  didn't always happen.  I don't know about the Buckinghamshire Wills database,  but the one held by Gloucestershire Archives  includes both administrations and wills, without distinguishing between them in the index (and it contains Gloucestershire administrations from the early 1700s). 
If you haven't found your ancestor's will in the online database, it might be that Bucks Archives keep admins separately - but I'm sure they will tell you if you ask. 
Alternatively, if not all the deceased's property was held in the county, there may have been a will proved at at different court. Have you checked for a will held at Oxfordshire or Hertfordshire Archives, or a Prerogative Court of Canterbury will?

[billcat]

Thanks Galium, Yes I have checked the online databases both for Bucks and the PCC.

I have just gone through the first page of results for Smith on the online Bucks Database and every single one has a date for Year Will Written and for Year Proved, e.g. it looks like every single one is a Will and not an Administration. Suspect Admons are listed elsewhere if they exist?