Probate & Insurance Valuations

Inheritance Tax (Probate) Valuations

Bellmans is a trusted and experienced provider of Inheritance Tax valuations for our clients, their advisors and solicitors.

It's common to find that the family might not know the most appropriate way to proceed with the probate process after a death. The process can seem overwhelming among property valuation, valuing property assets, and navigating capital gains tax.

As a specialist team, we can provide quick and detailed market appraisals for remaining belongings. We're here to help you with estate valuation to ensure that all chattels are adequately identified and valued.

On average, we carry out five or more such valuations every week for families, executors and fiduciaries. Probate valuations are provided at an ‘open market’ basis in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act of 1984, with items over the £1500 threshold listed individually and the remainder placed into more general ‘global’ listings. Where required, we are happy to assist with identifying specific bequests and provide a market appraisal.

Following your initial enquiry, details about the appointment will be taken, and a valuer will call you back to discuss your requirements and our fees and arrange a mutually convenient time and date to meet at your residential or commercial property.

An exhaustively researched typed and illustrated valuation will be produced and sent to you or your solicitor within three weeks of the appointment date. Extra copies for co-executors can be provided at no additional cost, either as typed copies or PDFs via email.

We can also assist with the sale of specific items, the immediate storage of vulnerable valuable pieces and organising the clearance of residual items from the property through third parties.

Insurance Valuations

Bellmans offers a range of services to help you value your assets so they can be insured accurately and at the correct price level, ensuring peace of mind in the event of a claim. We provide formal appraisals and insurance valuations for both single items and entire collections.

A professional valuation may be carried out on the recommendation of your insurance company or broker, or you may like a list of the items in your home to guide you when renewing an insurance policy.

Bellmans provide a Selected Insurance Valuation: a tailored catalogues list and values of items whose replacement costs are over a certain amount, for example, £2,000. Typically, this includes antique furniture, silver, jewellery, clocks, watches, paintings, works of art, ceramics and glass, etc.

Typically items are appraised at one of two levels - either High Auction replacement or Retail Replacement. This will need to be discussed with both your insurance provider and the valuer before the valuation takes place.

Copies of the bound documents (with illustrations if requested) will be sent to you by recorded delivery within three weeks of the appointment date.

Family Division and Willing Buyer/Willing Seller

Valuations for more specific purposes can be tailored to fit your requirements, assistance with estate tax planning, and division of an estate between beneficiaries.

Whatever your requirements, we are here to advise and support you every step of the way. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any queries.