When dealing with an estate, accuracy, compliance and sensitivity matter. Dawsons Auctioneers provide professional probate valuations across the UK, delivering clear, HMRC-compliant reports for executors, solicitors and beneficiaries.
Our specialist valuers assess house contents, art, antiques, jewelry and collectables, ensuring estates are valued correctly for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
A probate valuation is a written valuation of an estate's contents at the date of death. It is required for:
Applying for probation
Submitting accurate information to HMRC
Calculating inheritance tax (IHT)
Administering estates fairly between beneficiaries
Probate valuations must reflect true open market value , not insurance replacement cost. Our reports are prepared with HMRC scrutiny in mind, helping reduce the risk of disputes or future queries.
We work with all parties involved in estate administration:
Clear, professional valuations that simplify probate applications and provide reassurance that assets have been valued correctly and independently.
Reliable, HMRC-compliant reports prepared by experienced specialists, with clear documentation suitable for probate files and client records.
Transparent valuations that support fair distribution of assets and reduce the risk of disagreement during the probate process.
HMRC-Compliant Reports
Prepared in line with HMRC requirements and accepted for probate applications.
Specialist Valuers
Experts in art, antiques, jewellery, silver, watches and household contents.
Clear, Transparent Fees
No percentage-based valuation fees. Straightforward pricing with no hidden costs.
Discreet & Respectful Service
We understand probate can be a sensitive time and approach every valuation with care.
End-to-End Support
Where appropriate, we can also advise on sale, clearance or auction of estate items.
Room-by-room inventories covering furniture, furnishings, decorative objects and general household contents.
Specialist assessment of paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and decorative art by experienced valuers.
Accurate probate valuations for jewellery, watches, silver and personal valuables, reflecting true market value.
Valuations prepared specifically for probate and IHT submissions, with supporting documentation if required.
Typical lead times & turnaround
Appointments are arranged based on location and access. Reports are typically issued within a few working days of the visit, subject to the size and complexity of the estate and any specialist items requiring additional research. If you have a deadline, let us know and we'll advise the quickest available option.
Request a Valuation
Contact us by phone or online. To help us confirm scope quickly, please provide:
Specialist Visit
A Dawsons valuer attends the property to carry out a detailed assessment.
Comprehensive Inventory
Items are recorded room-by-room. Lower-value general contents may be grouped, while significant items are identified and listed appropriately where required.
Written Probate Report
You receive a clear, HMRC-compliant valuation report suitable for probate and solicitor use.
Our probate valuation fees are transparent and time-based , with no commission and no obligation to sell.
£495 + VAT for the first two hours on site (travel included)
£125 + VAT per additional half hour thereafter, only if required
Full details are available on our Probate Fees page, or we can provide guidance before proceeding.
Do I need a probate valuation?
If you are applying for probate and the estate includes personal possessions, a probate valuation is usually required.
How long does a probate valuation take?
The visit typically takes a few hours depending on property size and contents. Reports are usually issued within a few working days after the visit, subject to complexity.
What items must be included?
All household contents, valuables, art, jewellery and collectables should be included in the valuation.
Are probate valuations different from insurance valuations?
Yes. Probate valuations reflect open market value, not replacement or retail value.
Can you assist with selling items after probate?
Yes. Dawsons can advise on auction or private sale where appropriate, though there is no obligation to sell.
Over £10m worth of valuables assessed each year.
Members of The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and The Art Loss Register.
Trusted by many of the UK’s top 500 law firms.
No hidden costs, we agree our fees with you in advance.
