Probate, Insurance & Family Division Valuations

Hutchinson Scott offers accurate written valuations for probate purposes, individual items, specialist collections, and full or partial house contents.

Inheritance Tax (probate) valuations

Probate valuations are provided on an ‘open market’ basis in accordance with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, with items over the £500 threshold listed individually and the remainder placed into more general ‘global’ listings. Where required, we are happy to assist with the identification of specific bequests.

1. Enquiry — following your initial enquiry, details about the appointment will be taken and, if necessary, a valuer will call you back to discuss your requirements.
2. Visit — one of our valuers will attend your property to value either selected items or the complete house contents, as instructed.
3. Report — a fully researched typed valuation (with illustrations if requested) is sent to you within two weeks of the appointment. Extra copies for co-executors are provided at no extra cost.

Insurance valuations

From paintings and ceramics to jewellery and collectables, we understand the importance of protecting your most valuable possessions. Your insurer may recommend a professional valuation, or you may simply want a list of the items in your home when renewing a policy.

• Selected valuation — a list of items whose replacement values are over a certain amount, for example £500: normally antique furniture, silver, jewellery, clocks, watches, paintings, works of art, ceramics and glass.
• Full valuation — the complete contents of the property, including an allowance per room for household furniture, carpets and curtains, books and, if required, electrical items, clothing, garden machinery and more.

Two copies of the bound documents (with illustrations if requested) are sent by recorded delivery.

Family division and willing buyer / willing seller

Valuations for more specific purposes, to aid the division of an estate between beneficiaries, can be tailored to fit your requirements.

Fees

• £150* for each valuer for the first hour and £120* per hour thereafter (£150 minimum charge).
• An additional charge for travel and research may be necessary depending on the time and distance taken to reach the property and the nature of the items to be appraised.
• These charges may be reduced or waived subject to consignment for sale of some or all of the items.

*All charges are subject to VAT at the current rate (presently 20%).