Our Services
Probate Valuations is a firm of independent fine art, antique and jewellery valuers based in Henley-on-Thames.
We work closely with Lawyers, Executors, Trustees and the General Public to provide written valuation reports for either probate or potential sale through auction.
If the Estate is close to or over the Inheritance Tax threshold it is important to have the general and household goods (chattels) valued, even if you think there is nothing of value in order to avoid any potential scrutiny by Inland Revenue. If you do not take these steps it opens up the likelihood of the Revenue questioning how an Executor had calculated the values. He could receive penalties for negligence in this matter and a possible investigation of the whole Estate, causing lengthy delays.
Reports are based on ‘open market values’ in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (IHT) or potential sale at auction. All work is HMRC compliant.
We charge a fixed hourly rate £200.00-£225.00 (no VAT or out-of-pocket expenses). Most valuations don’t take longer than an hour-hour & half.
Probate Valuation of Household Contents
Trying to put a value on your loved one’s possessions when you are grieving for them can be incredibly difficult, but it is an essential part of the probate process. That doesn’t mean you have to do it yourself though. Expert probate valuers like us can help by taking care of the whole process for you, giving you a completely impartial valuation along with the time and space you need to grieve.
We charge a fixed hourly rate £200.00-£225.00 (no VAT or out-of-pocket expenses). Most valuations don’t take longer than an hour-hour & half.
Jewellery Valuation
This might be a single piece, or collection of individual pieces that have been bequeathed specifically in the will, or it might be a collection that you found while clearing out an old dresser. Our valuer can determine whether or not items are real or imitation, the value of precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, and even valuable stones like diamonds and pearls. Unlike an insurance valuation (which focuses on the value at full retail replacement), a probate valuation on jewellery is based on the value of the jewellery at open market figure. In other words, how much you can hope to sell the jewellery for at auction, to a jewellery shop or privately. We can value any piece of jewellery, from rings and necklaces to watches, coins, and even a tiara or two.
We charge a fixed hourly rate £200.00-£225.00 (no VAT or out-of-pocket expenses). Most valuations don’t take longer than an hour-hour & half.
Painting Valuation and Art Valuation Services
Paintings and artwork can be some of the most challenging things to value in a home, especially if you’re not experienced. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between an oil, watercolour or print, which is why an expert painting valuation is usually a good idea.
From oil paintings to abstract art pieces, huge wall-sized canvases to tiny watercolour masterpieces, we can help you understand the value of the paintings in your loved one’s home, and what the best option is for sale. We can offer advice and support for choosing the right auction house, how to find a private buyer or just what you should state the value as for inheritance tax purposes.
We charge a fixed hourly rate £200.00-£225.00 (no VAT or out-of-pocket expenses). Most valuations don’t take longer than an hour-hour & half.
Household Contents
A household contents valuation for probate is simply the process of working out how much an individual’s possessions and home are worth at open market figure. It’s used to calculate the value of the Estate but can be very useful for Executors and beneficiaries to understand the value of individual items and make sure the estate is split evenly.
Probate valuation of house contents is a simple process, but it does involve going through the contents of the house to evaluate their value. We do this because quite often the most valuable possessions in an estate are the items you wouldn’t think are valuable. Once everything in the estate has been valued, you will be given a report which facilitates the application for the grant for probate. Unlike insurance valuations (which focus on the cost to replace the item), probate valuations give you an idea of the sale value of your loved one’s possessions. This helps if you do decide whether to sell them, or just in making sure the estate is split according to your loved one’s wishes.
We charge a fixed hourly rate £200.00-£225.00 (no VAT or out-of-pocket expenses). Most valuations don’t take longer than an hour-hour & half.
