Dealing with a loved one’s estate is never easy, and it becomes even more complex when you’re handling a second home that’s miles away. Whether it’s a cottage in the Lake District or a family property in rural Wales, many executors find themselves unsure where to start.
You might be wondering: is there anything of value inside? Do I need a professional valuation? And who do I even contact when I’m not local?
That’s where SwiftValues can help. We specialise in probate valuations for exactly these situations, providing fast, HMRC-compliant reports whether you’re nearby or managing everything from a distance.
One Problem, Two Solutions
When you’re managing probate from afar, it’s hard to know whether a full house visit is necessary, or whether you can handle things remotely.
Some estates are straightforward: a few photos may be all that’s needed. Others might contain antiques, jewellery, or collections that call for a closer look.
That’s why we offer two flexible valuation options to suit different situations, both fully HMRC-compliant and designed to take the pressure off you.
Option 1: Online House Contents Valuation
For many estates, particularly second homes and inherited properties with general furnishings, our £99+VAT online valuation is the ideal place to start. In fact, it’s the go-to first step for many solicitors we work with.
All you need to do is upload clear photos of each room and any standout items. Within 1–2 working days, we’ll return a detailed, HMRC-compliant valuation report outlining the open market value of the visible contents. If anything looks like it needs closer inspection, we’ll flag it for you.
This remote option is quick, cost-effective, and perfect for average homes where contents are unlikely to hold significant hidden value. It saves time, keeps costs under control, and ensures you’re fulfilling your duties as executor without unnecessary stress, all without setting foot in the property.
Option 2: In-Person Valuation Visit
If the estate includes antiques, jewellery, artwork, or anything that might be of higher value, an in-person visit is often the best route.
For £249 + VAT (plus travel), one of our experienced valuers will visit the property anywhere in Cumbria or Wales. They’ll carry out a full room-by-room inspection, take photographs and notes, and prepare a detailed, HMRC-compliant report listing the individual values of significant items, typically those worth over £1,500.
This option is especially useful for larger or taxable estates, where accuracy and thorough documentation matter most. It’s also ideal when there’s uncertainty about what might be valuable.
You don’t need to coordinate multiple specialists, we handle everything, and we’re completely independent, so there’s no hidden agenda to sell the items. Just practical, defensible valuation support when you need it most.
Which One Should You Choose?
Not sure where to start? Most executors begin with our £99 online contents valuation, and for good reason. It’s fast, affordable, and entirely risk-free.
If the valuer spots anything that needs a closer look, we’ll let you know, and if you decide to book an in-person visit, we’ll refund the £99 against the cost of the on-site valuation. That way, you’re not paying twice.
This step-by-step approach keeps things practical and cost-effective, especially if you’re managing a second home or rural property you haven’t seen in detail. Whether you stay online or move to a full visit, you’ll receive an HMRC-compliant report and expert guidance, with no pressure, no guesswork, and no surprises.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re handling an estate in Cumbria, North Wales, or anywhere else in the UK, we’re here to help.
Start with our £99 online contents valuation or arrange an in-person visit if you know there’s more to uncover. Both services are HMRC-compliant, completely independent, and designed to make your job as an executor easier.
Areas We Cover
SwiftValues provides probate valuations across all of Cumbria, North Wales, and beyond, with local valuers covering even the most rural or remote locations. Whether the property is a second home, a holiday let, or part of a larger estate, we can help.
We regularly carry out online and in-person valuations in:
Cumbria:
Windermere, Ambleside, Keswick, Kendal, Penrith, Grasmere, Coniston, Bowness-on-Windermere, Ulverston, Cockermouth, Whitehaven, Barrow-in-Furness, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Milnthorpe, Alston, Cartmel.
North & Mid Wales:
Llandudno, Conwy, Bangor, Caernarfon, Betws-y-Coed, Anglesey, Llanberis, Pwllheli, Porthmadog, Barmouth, Machynlleth, Dolgellau, Aberdyfi, Bala, Newtown, Welshpool.
We also work with estates further afield, so if you’re dealing with probate on a property elsewhere in the UK, just get in touch.