Probate & Insurance Valuations

We help families and executors identify items of value within a property, and provide clear guidance on the best course of action before anything is cleared.

Whether dealing with probate, a family house, or a mixed collection of contents, our role is to ensure anything of potential value is properly identified before decisions are made.

A straightforward initial conversation to help you understand the position.

We will advise what may be suitable for auction, and what may not.

Where appropriate, we can also suggest trusted services for the remainder.

You do not need to have all the answers

Most people come to us unsure where to start. In many cases, a property contains a mixture of items — some suitable for auction, others not. Our role is to help distinguish between the two, ensuring that nothing of value is overlooked before decisions are made.

Sometimes this involves a full consignment. In other cases, it may be only a small number of items within a larger house contents situation. Either way, we aim to provide a clear and practical steer.

Identify items suitable for auction

We highlight pieces that may be appropriate for sale at Bellmans.

Highlight potential value

We advise where something merits closer inspection.

Provide clear guidance

We are straightforward about what will and won’t sell.

Assist with next steps

We can arrange valuations, visits and onward advice.

Auction, clearance — or a combination of both

Most properties are not one or the other. Our aim is to ensure that anything of value is identified before clearance, while helping you deal efficiently with the remainder.

Why take advice early?

It is not unusual for items of value to sit alongside general household contents, particularly where a property has been lived in for many years.

Without specialist input, these can easily be missed or disposed of before they are properly considered.

Taking advice at an early stage helps avoid this, and ensures that any items of potential interest are identified before decisions are made.

Probate Valuations

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.

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.

Insurance Valuations

Bellmans also provides formal insurance valuations for individual items and entire collections. These valuations are designed to ensure assets are insured accurately and at appropriate replacement levels, offering clarity and reassurance in the event of a claim.

We can prepare insurance valuations at different levels, depending on how you would wish to deal with a loss:

Auction level (financial cover only)
Suitable where an item is treated as an asset and you would not look to replace it. Values are typically based on the upper end of an auction estimate.

Auction replacement level
If you would aim to replace an item by buying something similar at auction, we allow for the additional costs involved. In practice, this usually means values set at around twice the lower auction estimate, to reflect buyer’s premium and VAT.

Retail replacement level
If you would prefer to replace an item through a dealer or retail setting, valuations can be set at a higher level. These are typically around twice the upper auction estimate, reflecting the higher prices often seen in retail environments.

We are always happy to advise on the most appropriate level depending on your circumstances, and can liaise with your insurer if required.

Please note that valuations reflect current market conditions and do not include the cost of commissioning an exact replica.

Selected Insurance Valuations

A Selected Insurance Valuation provides a detailed catalogue and valuation of items exceeding an agreed threshold. This typically includes:

• Antique furniture
• Silver and jewellery
• Clocks and watches
• Paintings and works of art
• Ceramics and glass

Family Division and Willing Buyer / Willing Seller Valuations

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.

Arranging a Valuation

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.