What Does A
Swift Values
Probate Report Include?
What Do You Get for Your Money?
Every Swift Values report, whether it’s a £25 online item check, a £99 house contents valuation or a £249 in-person visit, follows the same HMRC-compliant structure.
We’ve shaped our reports around what HMRC case handlers and the Shares and Assets Valuation team are actually looking for. With over 40 years of combined experience in probate, we know how to present valuations in a way that meets professional standards and avoids unnecessary queries.
Here’s what a Swift Values report includes and why it’s built to make things easier for you — and for HMRC.
Important Note: All Swift Values reports are delivered as professionally formatted PDFs, ready to attach to your probate application.
We’ve had a 100% acceptance rate with HMRC, so you can rest assured your valuation will stand up to scrutiny. Every report is designed to support a smooth grant of probate, giving both executors and solicitors confidence in the process.
Trusted By
Section 1: Illustrated Records
The first part of every Swift Values report includes a photographic record of the rooms and items assessed. This isn’t just a formality, it’s a core part of delivering a clear, defensible valuation. It might seem simple, but if questions arise months or even years later, having a visual record can prove invaluable.
There are four key reasons why imagery is essential in a chattels or personal possessions valuation:
-
It creates a time-stamped visual record. This allows executors to make practical decisions, such as starting house clearance or distributing items, while preserving a clear audit trail of what was present at the time of valuation.
-
It gives HMRC visual clarity. Instead of relying solely on line items in the IHT400 form, the case handler can see exactly what was assessed. This reduces the likelihood of queries by demonstrating that no significant items were missed or undervalued.
-
It documents condition. Photographs show wear, age, or damage that may explain lower valuations. This is especially important for furniture, paintings, and jewellery, where condition can dramatically affect market value.
-
It enables second opinions if needed. If HMRC ever requests a revaluation, the report can be passed to another expert who can assess the images independently, without requiring access to the items again.
In short, the illustrated section provides transparency, protects the executor, and helps HMRC understand and accept the figures provided — making it one of the most important parts of the report.
Section 2: Declarations
The second part of every Swift Values report brings together the key written elements that support the visual record. Each section is carefully designed to meet HMRC expectations and provide a clear, defensible valuation for probate purposes.
One of the most important components is the itemisation of any high-value assets. If any individual item is assessed at over £1,500, it is listed in a separate table with a detailed description, valuation, and corresponding images. This ensures transparency for HMRC and gives executors clarity over which specific assets contribute most to the estate’s value.
Alongside this, the report also includes:
Valuer Notes
These are expert observations made during the assessment. They might flag items needing further review, comment on condition or materials, or offer practical advice for the executor. This section provides insight into why certain values were assigned, especially useful where an item’s appearance might be misleading or its condition affects the market value.
Basis of Valuation
This confirms that the report has been prepared in line with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 which is the legal standard used by HMRC for probate valuations. Including this statement demonstrates compliance and ensures the report aligns with official expectations.
About the Valuer
A short bio is included for every report, outlining the valuer’s background and professional expertise.
This is more than just a formality as it demonstrates to HMRC that the executor has taken reasonable care by instructing a qualified, independent expert rather than estimating values themselves. It also reassures HMRC that the figures have been provided by someone with decades of experience in their field, not an unqualified guess. In the event of any scrutiny, this section helps show the report is credible, professional, and prepared to the standards HMRC expects.
Final Declaration
This summarises the total value of the contents and confirms the figure to be used on the IHT400 form. It includes both general house contents and any itemised high-value assets. The declaration is signed and dated, confirming the valuation was carried out solely for probate and inheritance tax purposes.
Together, these elements form a complete record that is designed not just to inform the executor, but to stand up to scrutiny if reviewed by HMRC. It reflects our understanding of what probate case handlers look for — and removes the guesswork from declaring chattels and personal possessions.
Start Your Probate Valuation Today
Begin with a cost-effective online valuation or arrange a comprehensive in-person visit — both fully HMRC-compliant.
