Once probate has been granted and estate assets have been formally valued, executors must decide what to do with the contents of the estate.
This may involve:
If you require a valuation before making any decisions, please see:
Our probate valuation service is entirely separate from any later sale discussion.
A probate valuation is:
Executors are under no obligation to sell items through Dawsons or through any specific provider.
If sale is discussed, this only takes place after probate has been granted and only if the executor requests advice.
This separation ensures valuations remain impartial, defensible and suitable for HMRC scrutiny.
In most cases, items should not be sold until:
Executors should confirm timing with their solicitor before proceeding.
Once probate has been granted, executors typically consider one of the following routes:
Auction is often appropriate for:
Auction provides transparent market competition and publicly recorded sale results.
Some items may be suitable for private treaty sale, particularly where:
For general household contents of modest value, clearance may be appropriate once significant items have been identified and separately addressed.
Selling estate items without a proper probate valuation can result in:
A professional probate valuation provides a documented benchmark before any sale decisions are made.
Where requested, our process is straightforward:
This clear separation avoids any perceived conflict between valuation and sale advice.
If executors choose to explore sale options, we regularly advise on:
Advice is tailored to each estate and based on prevailing market conditions.
Can estate items be sold before probate is granted?
In most cases, no. Executors should wait until probate has been granted before selling estate assets. Legal advice should be sought where necessary.
Do I have to sell items through the same company that carried out the probate valuation?
No. There is no obligation to sell through any specific provider. Probate valuation and sale are separate decisions.
Is auction always the best way to sell estate items?
Not necessarily. The appropriate route depends on the item, its value and market conditions.
What happens if items sell for more than the probate valuation?
Probate valuations reflect open market value at the date of death. Market conditions may change, and auction competition can result in higher or lower outcomes.
Can you arrange clearance after valuable items are removed?
Yes. Once significant items have been identified and addressed, we can advise on next steps for remaining contents.
If you are administering an estate and would like guidance following a probate valuation, our team is here to assist.
Request a Probate Valuation
Tel: 0207 431 9445
Email: probate@dawsonsauctions.co.uk
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.
