Follow This Guide For Getting A Probate Contents Valuation & Avoid HMRC Investigation
IHT Chattels Valuation FAQ’s
What Items Have To Be Valued In The Deceased’s Home For Probate?
All items within have to be valued for Probate if they were the deceased’s property, and the most common mistake most executors make is to assume that the contents of the deceased’s home have little value or no value at all, and think it’s not necessary to have the contents professionally valued. Failing to provide an official house contents valuation for probate purposes can be very risky. To the untrained eye, things that look worthless can actually be quite valuable, and as well as this, you may find HMRC asking on what basis the values were obtained and proof of how you arrived at the conclusion that they had no value. If not satisfied, the revenue could then ask all manner of questions, possibly leading to a full investigation of the whole estate, causing lengthy delays and possible penalties.
Do I Need A Professional Probate Valuer When Household Items Have Little Or No Value?
Yes, as professional valuers, we can provide evidence and comparables to show how an item is valued, whether it’s worth £5.00, £5000.00, or even zero. We quite often state in a report that a proportion of the contents have no commercial value; this might include soft furnishings that do not carry a compliant fire certificate, untested or damaged electrical items, obsolete items, and general household effects that are used every day but have no resale value. Incomplete sets of cutlery, crockery, glassware, worn-out furniture, old beds and even clothes carry very little or no value at all, but it’s always wise to inform the Revenue of anything that has been given to charity, as this is a question they sometimes ask. And remember that it’s advisable not to clear away the contents or carry out a house clearance until probate has been granted.
Can You Deal With Family Division, Gifts, Wishes And Bequests?
Yes, we follow the deceased’s directions stated in the last will and testament concerning bequests, gifts and family division and list those items clearly and separately on the probate report.
Can The Family Take The Personal Possessions From The Deceased’s Home During Probate?
Yes, but it’s a good idea to have the probate contents valuation carried out first, so you have a clear record of the contents, who in the family has them, and where they are, to confirm that those items are still kept within the Estate.
Can The Contents Of A Probate Property Be Sold Before Grant of Probate?
No, not until the Estate has received “Grant of Probate”, however, it is permitted for items to be divided and distributed to the bequeathed and others mentioned in the will, and only sold after “Grant” just in case there are any disputes or questions from HMRC.
Can Someone Buy The Chattels Who Are Not In The Will?
Yes, someone can purchase any of the chattels from the estate at the stated value in the agreed probate valuation report. At this time, it’s quite usual for close members of the family and friends to take small mementoes of a sentimental nature or special memories from the past, which have far more value than money to most.
How Do I Get A Probate House Clearance After Family & Friends Have Taken What They Want?
After grant of probate and family division its safe to clear the remaining items from the property. Some families are quite capable and carry out a complete house clearance after probate has been granted themselves, but for others it can be an overwhelming task, and wouldn’t know where to begin. In these cases a professional house clearance company can be instructed to carry out the work. Most firms of valuers cannot help in these circumstances but here at Avery Associates we offer a comprehensive all round service which will include a full house clearance, cleaning, removal of unwanted vehicles, emptying lofts outhouses and garages, finally leaving the property clean and tidy ready for sale or ready to hand back to the council or a private landlord.
We hope this article has been informative and for assistance in matters like this please feel free to call our team on any of the numbers provided.
Author Jeffrey Avery 10/02/2026
