If you are acting as an executor, you have a legal responsibility to ensure estate assets are valued accurately for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
At Dawsons Auctioneers, we provide professional, independent probate valuations designed to give executors clarity, confidence and compliance with HMRC requirements.
We understand that many executors are managing probate for the first time. Our role is to make the valuation process straightforward, transparent and professionally handled.
For probate and inheritance tax purposes, estate assets must be declared at open market value at the date of death (commonly aligned with the statutory open market value basis under Section 160 Inheritance Tax Act 1984, subject to legal confirmation where required).
Our valuations are prepared on this open market basis and documented appropriately for probate submission.
As an executor, you are responsible for:
Probate valuations must reflect open market value at the date of death — not insurance or replacement values.
Our probate valuations for executors typically include:
We regularly value:
Lower-value general contents may be grouped appropriately, while significant or specialist items are identified and itemised where required.
We believe pricing should be transparent and easy to understand.
£495 + VAT Includes the first two hours on site, with travel included.
£125 + VAT per additional half hour Charged only if more time is required.
There are:
You only pay for the time needed to complete a thorough and compliant valuation.
We are always happy to discuss likely time requirements before confirming an appointment.
For full details, see our Probate Valuation Fees page.
1. Initial Discussion
You contact us by phone or email. To help us confirm scope efficiently, please provide:
2. Valuation Visit
A specialist attends the property at a convenient time and carries out a room-by-room appraisal.
3. Preparation of Report
Items are catalogued and valued at open market value at the date of death. Significant items are identified clearly within the report.
4. Delivery of HMRC-Compliant Report
You receive a professionally prepared written probate valuation report, typically issued within a few working days of the visit (subject to estate size and complexity).
We are happy to liaise directly with your solicitor where required.
Some providers offer “free” valuations tied to a commitment to sell estate items.
Our probate valuations are not contingent on consignment and are prepared solely for probate purposes. There is no obligation to sell, and valuations are not influenced by potential auction outcomes.
If you later wish to discuss selling items, that conversation is entirely separate and only takes place at your request.
Do I legally need a probate valuation?
In most cases, yes. Executors are required to declare the value of estate assets when applying for probate. A professional valuation ensures accuracy and compliance.
Can I value estate contents myself?
Executors may attempt to estimate values, but inaccurate declarations can result in HMRC queries or disputes between beneficiaries. A professional probate valuation provides independent documentation.
How long does a probate valuation take?
Most standard residential properties fall within the initial two-hour visit, depending on size and contents. Larger estates or properties with significant collections may require additional time.
What happens if HMRC questions the valuation?
Professionally prepared probate reports provide documented evidence of how values were determined. This helps protect executors if HMRC reviews the estate.
Do I have to sell items after the valuation?
No. There is no obligation to sell estate items. The probate valuation is independent of any future sale decision.
Can you work directly with my solicitor?
Yes. We regularly liaise with solicitors acting on behalf of executors and can provide documentation suitable for probate files.
If you are acting as an executor and need professional guidance, our team is here to help.
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.
