Dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, especially when chattels, antiques, or collections are involved. At FEAC Legal, we provide HMRC compliant probate valuations for Bromley families, solicitors, and executors. Whether you’re handling a simple estate or a large rural property, we offer sensitive, timely, and accurate valuations across Greater London.

How Does It Work?

Step 1: Book Your Valuation

For a personal quote or to book a probate valuation service, please get in touch with us.

Phone: 07984 733931

Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk

Step 2: Schedule Your Valuation

Once your appointment is confirmed, our team of professional valuers will arrive promptly at 9:00 AM on the scheduled day. They will conduct the valuation thoroughly and take the necessary time to ensure an accurate and comprehensive assessment.

Note! We can collect keys if you are unable to attend the property, or, you can post them to our head office.

Step 3: Receive Your Report

Once the valuation at your property is complete, our valuers will return to head office to prepare a detailed probate report. This report will be finalised and emailed to you in PDF format within 5 working days of your initial appointment. You can then print and distribute as many times as needed to the appropriate parties.

Our Probate Services In Bromley

• Full chattels and household contents valuation for probate and inheritance tax
• HMRC Inheritance tax compliant documentation.
• Asset recovery service included.
• Flexible key collection and postal services for clients unable to attend in person, including those abroad or with busy schedules
• We can also offer full house contents clearance.

Why Choose Us?

• We are a family run business who have been operating for over thirty years.
• Our expert valuers have constant training in antique, fine jewellery, and specialist items. Making them the most knowledgable and best in the business.
• We cover the whole of the UK and Scotland.
• We work closely with over eighty solicitors throughout the UK.
• We have never had a report rejected by HMRC.
• We offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Ready To Get Started?

Contact us today for probate and chattels valuation in Bromley and across Greater London.
Call 07448259106 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.

Probate Valuation vs Market Valuation: What’s the Difference?

When dealing with estate matters, particularly after a loved one’s passing, the terms probate valuation and market valuation often arise. While they might sound similar, these two valuations serve different purposes and follow distinct guidelines. Understanding the difference between probate valuation and market valuation is crucial for executors, beneficiaries, and anyone involved in estate administration.

At FEAC Legal, we specialise in probate valuations across the UK, helping clients navigate these distinctions with expert advice and professional service. This article explains what sets probate valuations apart from market valuations and why the distinction matters.

What Is a Market Valuation?

A market valuation estimates the price an asset, such as property, antiques, or collectibles, would likely fetch if sold on the open market at a given time. It considers:

• Current supply and demand
• Recent sales of comparable items
• Condition and location of the asset
• Economic and seasonal factors

Market valuations are often used by sellers, buyers, and investors to set asking prices or make purchase decisions. They reflect the current value based on the prevailing market conditions.

What Is a Probate Valuation?

A probate valuation specifically determines the value of a deceased person’s assets as of the date of death for legal and tax purposes. It must:

• Reflect the market value at the exact date the person died, not at the current date
• Comply with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) guidelines
• Be used for inheritance tax calculations, probate applications, and estate administration

Probate valuations are often more formal and strictly regulated than general market valuations.

Key Differences Between Probate Valuation and Market Valuation

Aspect	Probate Valuation	Market Valuation
Purpose	For legal compliance in probate and tax matters	For sale, purchase, or investment decisions
Valuation Date	Date of death of the deceased	Current or specified date
Regulatory Standards	Must meet HMRC and Probate Registry requirements	No strict legal standards, more flexible
Usage	Probate application, inheritance tax returns	Setting sale price, negotiation, financing
Documentation	Formal reports suitable for official submission	Informal or formal, depending on context

Why Does the Date Matter?

Market conditions fluctuate daily. An item’s value can rise or fall significantly over weeks or months. Probate valuations must freeze the value at the date of death to provide a fair and consistent basis for tax and legal purposes.

For example, if property values drop after the date of death, the probate valuation ignores the decrease and values the property at its worth on the death date, not the current market value.

When Might Market and Probate Valuations Differ?

• If there’s a gap between the date of death and the valuation date, market changes may create discrepancies.
• For unique or rare antiques and collectibles, current market interest might differ from values at the time of death.
• Estates held in volatile markets (property, shares) often experience valuation differences.

Executors and valuers must understand these differences to avoid legal complications.

How FEAC Legal Helps You Navigate Valuation Complexities

• We provide accurate probate valuations reflecting true market value at the date of death, fully compliant with HMRC rules.
• Our team understands market trends and can explain how valuations may differ from current market prices.
• We prepare clear, detailed reports suitable for probate applications and tax submissions.
• We advise executors and families on the implications of valuation timing and market fluctuations.

Conclusion

While both probate and market valuations assess asset worth, the key difference lies in the date and purpose of the valuation. Probate valuations are legal valuations tied to the date of death and regulatory requirements, whereas market valuations are current assessments used for sale or purchase decisions.

Executors and administrators should always seek specialist probate valuation services like those offered by FEAC Legal to ensure legal compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind during estate administration.

FEAC Legal — expert probate valuations with clarity and compliance.