Probate Valuation Fees

Clear, Transparent Pricing for HMRC-Compliant Probate Valuations

Understanding the cost of a probate valuation is an important part of administering an estate.

At Dawsons Auctioneers, we provide clear, transparent probate valuation fees with no percentage charges and no obligation to sell.

Our pricing structure ensures you only pay for the time required to complete a professional, HMRC-compliant valuation.

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Our Fees

How Much Does a Probate Valuation Cost?

Our probate valuation fees are structured as follows:

£495 + VAT Includes the first two hours on site, with travel included.

£125 + VAT per additional half hour
Charged only if additional time is required beyond the initial two hours.

There are:

  • No commission charges
  • No percentage-based fees
  • No hidden administration costs
  • No obligation to sell items

This approach ensures complete transparency for executors, solicitors and beneficiaries.

 

Typical Probate Valuation Cost Examples

While every estate is different, the following examples provide guidance:

1-Bedroom Flat (Modest Contents)

Often completed within the initial two-hour visit.

Typical fee: £495 + VAT

Standard Family House (3–4 Bedrooms)

May require additional time depending on volume of contents.

Typical fee range: £495 – £745 + VAT

Larger Property or Mixed Specialist Estate

Where significant collections of art, jewellery or antiques are present.

Typical fee range: £745 – £1,250 + VAT, depending on complexity and time required.

We are always happy to discuss your specific circumstances before confirming instruction.

 

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What Affects Probate Valuation Costs?

The total time required will depend on:

  • Property size and number of rooms
  • Volume of contents
  • Presence of specialist assets (art, antiques, jewellery, collections)
  • Access and organisation of items
  • Multiple properties within the estate
  • Urgent reporting requirements

We provide realistic guidance in advance so you can budget clearly.

What Is Included in the Fee?

Our probate valuation fee covers:

  • Travel to the property
  • A professional visit by an experienced valuer
  • A room-by-room inventory of contents
  • Individual assessment of significant items
  • Market-accurate probate values (open market value at date of death)
  • A written HMRC-compliant probate valuation report

Reports are suitable for probate applications and inheritance tax submissions.

 

What Is Not Included by Default?

To ensure clarity:

  • Separate insurance valuations
  • Laboratory gemstone certification
  • Formal authentication reports by external experts
  • Exceptional travel outside agreed coverage areas
  • Expedited or out-of-hours reporting (if required urgently)

If any additional services are required, these are discussed and agreed in advance.

Our Service Standards

When instructing Dawsons for a probate valuation, you can expect:

  • Booking timeframe: Appointments typically arranged within several working days (subject to availability and location).
  • Report turnaround: Probate reports usually issued within a few working days following the visit, depending on complexity.
  • Digital delivery: Reports provided in clear digital format suitable for solicitor files.
  • Urgent cases: Where time-sensitive probate applications are involved, we will always aim to accommodate priority reporting where possible.

Why We Do Not Charge a Percentage

Some providers offer “free” valuations in exchange for selling estate items or charge a percentage of the estate’s value.

We believe probate valuations should be:

  • Independent
  • Impartial
  • Prepared solely for probate purposes

Our time-based fee structure ensures valuations are not influenced by potential sale value and remain suitable for HMRC scrutiny.

Probate Valuation Fees for Executors

Executors have a legal responsibility to ensure estate assets are valued correctly.

Our transparent fee structure allows you to:

  • Budget clearly for estate administration
  • Demonstrate due diligence
  • Reduce the risk of HMRC queries

We provide a clear explanation of expected costs before confirming an appointment.

Probate Valuation Fees for Solicitors & Legal Professionals

We regularly work with solicitors acting on behalf of estates and provide:

  • Clear, predictable pricing
  • Prompt reporting
  • Professionally documented valuations suitable for probate files
  • Direct liaison where required

Are Probate Valuation Fees an Estate Expense?

In many cases, probate valuation fees may be treated as an allowable estate administration expense.

Executors should confirm this with their solicitor or accountant based on the specific circumstances of the estate.

Request a Probate Valuation Quote

If you would like to receive guidance or a clear quote, please provide:

  • Property postcode
  • Property type and approximate size
  • Date of death
  • Whether specialist assets are present (art, jewellery, antiques, collections)
  • Whether you are an executor or acting on behalf of a client
  • Any urgency requirements
  • Optional photographs (if available)

This helps us provide accurate cost guidance quickly.

 

Tel: 0207 431 9445
Email: probate@dawsonsauctions.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions About Probate Valuation Fees

How much does a probate valuation cost in the UK?
Fees start at £495 + VAT for the first two hours on site. Additional time is charged at £125 + VAT per half hour where required.

Is £495 the total cost of a probate valuation?
For many smaller properties, yes. Larger or more complex estates may require additional time.

Do you charge a percentage of the estate value?
No. We do not charge commission or a percentage of the estate’s value.

Why do some companies offer free probate valuations?
Some providers link valuation to sale commitments. Our valuations are independent and not contingent on future consignment.

Can you provide a quote before visiting the property?
Yes. We can provide guidance based on property size, contents and complexity.

Why Choose Us?

Experience

Over £10m worth of valuables assessed each year.

Credibility

Members of The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers and The Art Loss Register.

Integrity

Trusted by many of the UK’s top 500 law firms.

Transparency

No hidden costs, we agree our fees with you in advance.

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Our Areas of Expertise

  • Silver & Objects of Virtue
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  • Modern Art
  • Asian Art
  • Jewellery
  • Furniture
  • Watches
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  • Coins & Banknotes
  • Medals & Militaria
  • Stamps
  • Gold & Silver
  • Clocks
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  • Classic & Modern Cars
  • Musical Instruments
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