Bellmans offers a range of services to assist executors and beneficiaries in preparing valuations of chattels for Inheritance Tax purposes.
Our team in Sussex and London provides written, accurate valuation reports for chattels belonging to deceased estates to lawyers, solicitors, and estate agents across the country. Often, we are instructed to help maximise the estate's value by selling the chattels at auction or assisting in storing valuable items.
Please get in touch and our specialists from London and Sussex will provide more information about our probate valuation and insurance valuation services.
Bellmans Auctioneers provides probate valuations for executors, solicitors and private clients across London, Sussex and the surrounding counties.
Following a death, it is common for families or executors to be uncertain about how best to proceed. Alongside property matters, the identification and valuation of personal possessions can feel complex and time-consuming. Our specialists provide clear, independent market valuations to support the probate process and meet HMRC requirements.
Our probate valuations are prepared on an open market basis in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984. Items valued above the statutory threshold are listed individually, with lower-value contents grouped appropriately. Where required, we are also able to assist with identifying specific bequests.
We regularly carry out probate valuations for families, executors and fiduciaries, both at private residences and commercial properties. Valuations may cover a full estate or selected contents, depending on individual requirements.
Following inspection, a fully researched typed and illustrated valuation is provided, suitable for submission to solicitors and HMRC. Reports are typically issued within three weeks of inspection, with additional copies supplied for co-executors where required.
In addition to probate valuation, we can assist with:
Advice on the sale of selected items
Secure storage of vulnerable or high-value objects
Arrangements for clearance of residual contents through third parties
All services are discussed in advance, with fees agreed prior to instruction.
Bellmans also provides formal insurance valuations for individual items and entire collections. These valuations ensure assets are insured accurately and at appropriate replacement levels, offering clarity and reassurance in the event of a claim.
Insurance valuations may be arranged at the request of an insurer or broker, or to assist with policy renewal and review.
A Selected Insurance Valuation provides a detailed catalogue and valuation of items exceeding an agreed threshold, commonly £2,000. This typically includes categories such as:
Antique furniture
Silver and jewellery
Clocks and watches
Paintings and works of art
Ceramics and glass
Valuations are prepared at either High Auction Replacement or Retail Replacement level, depending on insurer requirements. This is discussed in advance with both the valuer and the insurance provider.
Bound reports, with illustrations if required, are issued within three weeks of inspection.
We also provide valuations for estate division between beneficiaries, family agreements and tax planning purposes. These valuations are tailored to the specific brief and prepared on a willing buyer / willing seller basis where appropriate.
Valuations are available through our Sussex saleroom and London office. Following an initial enquiry, a specialist will discuss your requirements, confirm fees and arrange a convenient appointment.
For further information or to arrange a valuation, please contact our London or Sussex office and a member of the team will be happy to advise.