Expert Probate
House Contents Valuations
HMRC Compliant Reports
Professional Probate Valuations for House Contents
Managing an estate is challenging, but valuing house contents for probate doesn’t have to be. At Swift Values, we provide expert house contents valuations for probate, whether you’re a solicitor handling an estate or an executor managing a loved one’s affairs.
We offer HMRC-compliant valuations for general household contents through both our online and in-person services, making the process straightforward and stress-free.
Unsure where to start? Our £99 online valuation provides a broad estimate of your property’s contents and identifies whether further assessment is needed.
Book Your Valuation
- Solicitors: Log in to your dedicated portal to access your account and exclusive services.
- Private executors: Book and pay online through our secure checkout system
- Email us at enquiries@swiftvalues.co.uk
- Call our dedicated team on 0330 088 4099
Why Choose a Professional Probate Valuation for House Contents?
Protecting Executors and Legal Professionals
We offer expert, cost-effective valuations tailored to probate requirements. Whether online or in-person, our swift and reliable service ensures accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind, helping you navigate the probate process with confidence.
The Risks of Incorrect Valuations: Incorrect valuations during probate can lead to serious consequences. Over- or under-valuing household contents risks HMRC penalties and tax issues, creating unnecessary burdens. Inaccurate assessments slow down estate administration and delay asset distribution. They can also trigger family conflicts, as misjudged values often lead to inheritance disputes that strain relationships during an already difficult time.
Ensure accuracy and compliance – start your valuation today.
The Benefits of a Professional Valuation with Swift Values:
✔ HMRC-compliant reports – Fully accepted for probate and estate settlement under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984.
✔ Accurate open-market pricing – Avoids overpayment of inheritance tax or undervaluing assets.
✔ Expert assessment – Our experienced valuers carefully assess household contents and general items, providing accurate probate valuations while identifying any pieces of particular significance within the estate.
✔ Convenient services – Choose between an affordable online valuation or an in-person expert visit for larger collections.
✔ Trusted by solicitors – Our valuations are relied upon by legal professionals across the UK.
How Our Probate Jewellery Valuation Works – Online & In-Person
At Swift Values, we offer two flexible valuation services—online for convenience or in-person for detailed assessments. Our step-by-step approach ensures accuracy, compliance, and ease of use.
Online House Contents Valuation – £99+VAT
In-Person House Contents Valuation – From £249+VAT
Start Your House Contents Valuation Today
Begin your probate valuation process with confidence. For private executors, our Online Valuation (£25+VAT) allows you to quickly submit photos for assessment or book a comprehensive In-Person Valuation with our expert team.
Solicitors can efficiently manage client valuations through our dedicated portal.
If you have any questions feel free to call us on 0330 088 4099
What You Receive from a Swift Values House Contents Valuation
Every valuation report we provide is fully HMRC-compliant, ensuring a smooth probate process with accurate and defensible valuations. Whether you choose an online or in-person service, you will receive a professional assessment prepared by a qualified jewellery specialist.
Included in Your Jewellery Probate Valuation Report
| Included in Our Valuation Report | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| HMRC-Compliant Open Market Valuation | Meets Inheritance Tax Act 1984 Section 160 requirements for accurate probate reporting. |
| Professional Valuation Opinion | An expert assessment of the contents’ worth based on market conditions. |
| Clear Valuation Format | Online valuations provide a valuation range and suggested next steps. In-person valuations provide a categoric value for each item over the £1,500 threshold. |
| Item Descriptions & Condition Notes | Key details on furnishings, decorative pieces, and significant personal effects. |
| Photographs | Visual documentation for probate records and future reference. |
| Specialist Input Where Needed | If an item requires further expertise (e.g., artwork, antiques), we provide clear recommendations. |
| Next Steps Guidance (Online Valuation Only) | Advice on whether further inspection or formal valuation is necessary. |
Tailored to Your Needs
Tailored to Your Needs Our services are designed to match your specific requirements. The Online Valuation (£99+VAT) is ideal for quick estimates and determining whether further assessment is required. For high-value or large collections, our In-Person Valuation service provides detailed itemisation for any pieces over the £1,500 threshold. By choosing Swift Values, you ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and fully compliant valuation that protects executors, solicitors, and beneficiaries from costly errors or disputes.
Pricing & Turnaround
At Swift Values, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our valuation services are designed to be cost-effective and efficient, whether you need a quick online assessment or a full in-person valuation.
| Service Type | Description | Price (ex. VAT) | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Valuation | Ideal for assessing entire rooms or contents when unsure of value. | £99 per estate | 1-2 working days |
| In-Person Valuation | Home visit by a qualified valuer. Best for high-value contents. | From £249 | Report within 7 days |
Start Your Probate Jewellery Valuation Today
Begin your jewellery probate valuation with confidence. Private executors can submit photos through our £25+VAT Online Assessment or book a comprehensive In-Person Valuation with our experts.
Solicitors: Efficiently manage client valuations through our dedicated portal.
Questions? Call 0330 088 4099.
Common Questions About House Contents Valuations for Probate
Do I Need to Value Every Item in the House for Probate?
Not necessarily. HMRC requires chattels to be declared under Schedule IHT407, but not every item must be listed individually.
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High-value items (typically over £1,500) should be itemised.
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Lower-value items can be grouped together under a single total.
Our valuers ensure this is done efficiently and in full compliance with HMRC guidance.
What if I’m an Executor Living Abroad?
No problem—our online service is ideal for international executors.
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We can begin the valuation process remotely.
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If a site visit is needed, we’ll arrange for a valuer to attend the property or coordinate with your UK-based contacts.
How Is Probate Value Different from Insurance Value?
Probate Value (for Inheritance Tax purposes):
Defined under Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 as:
“The value at any time of any property shall … be the price which the property might reasonably be expected to fetch if sold in the open market at that time.”
This reflects auction or second-hand market value, not retail value.
Insurance Value (for replacement purposes):
Reflects the cost to replace an item with a new one of similar quality.
Typically higher than probate value, which is based on likely sale proceeds.
Key takeaway: Probate value reflects realistic market worth. Insurance value reflects replacement cost. For probate, accurate market valuation is essential to ensure compliance and avoid overpaying tax.