Probate & Chattels Valuations Brighton and Hove
Dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, especially when chattels, antiques, or collections are involved. At FEAC Legal, we provide HMRC compliant probate valuations for Brighton and Hove families, solicitors, and executors. Whether you’re handling a simple estate or a large rural property, we offer sensitive, timely, and accurate valuations across East Sussex.
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 Brighton and Hove
- 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 Brighton and Hove and across East Sussex.
Call 07984733931 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.
What Items Must Be Included in a UK Probate Valuation?
When an estate enters probate, one of the most important tasks for executors is identifying every item that must be included in the probate valuation. Missing, overlooking, or omitting assets can lead to HMRC challenges, delays, financial penalties, or disputes between beneficiaries.
Many people assume only antiques, jewellery or high-value items need to be listed — but HMRC requires all chattels and personal possessions to be valued, regardless of age, style, or perceived worth. This is why professional guidance is essential.
With over 12 years of experience and a record of zero HMRC rejections, FEAC Legal provides fully compliant valuations that ensure every relevant item is properly accounted for.
Below, we explain exactly which items must be included in a UK probate valuation and why.
1. All Household Furniture
This includes everything from:
- Sofas and armchairs
- Tables and dining sets
- Beds, wardrobes and drawers
- Desks, bookcases and cabinets
Even standard domestic furniture must be recorded, whether individually or as part of a grouped valuation.
2. Antiques, Collectables & Decorative Objects
Higher-value pieces must be individually assessed, including:
- Antique furniture
- Bronze and marble sculptures
- Art Deco or mid-century items
- Ceramics, pottery and porcelain
- Decorative glass
- Clocks, mirrors and wall art
- Curios and unusual collectables
These items often form a significant portion of estate value and require specialist appraisal. At FEAC Legal, our valuers are trained in antiques, fine art, and collectables to ensure accurate open-market valuations.
3. Jewellery, Silver & Precious Metals
HMRC expects all precious items to be declared, such as:
- Gold and silver jewellery
- Diamond and gemstone pieces
- Silverware and cutlery
- Bullion or investment metals
- Designer jewellery brands
These items frequently hold much higher value than executors expect, making professional assessment essential.
4. Artwork, Prints & Photography
This includes:
- Original paintings
- Limited edition prints
- Framed artwork
- Photographs of artistic or historic relevance
- Contemporary art pieces
The art market is highly specialised. Proper identification and valuation are crucial for HMRC compliance.
5. Books, Manuscripts & Paper Collectables
Items such as:
- Antique books
- First editions
- Folio Society volumes
- Maps and prints
- Autographs
- Historic documents
FEAC Legal also offers a free asset recovery service to help locate important paperwork hidden within hoarded or cluttered properties. Learn more here:
Asset Recovery
6. Electronics & Modern Household Goods
These must also be included if present and in working condition:
- TVs and audio equipment
- Computers and tablets
- Kitchen appliances
- Cameras and digital equipment
While often lower in resale value, they must still be included as part of the overall estate inventory.
7. Tools, Workshop & Outdoor Equipment
Including:
- Power tools and toolkits
- Garden machinery
- Bicycles and outdoor equipment
- Lawnmowers, strimmers, hedge cutters
Even everyday tools must be accounted for where they form part of the property’s contents.
8. Vehicles & Motorised Equipment
HMRC requires valuation of:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Vans
- Caravans
- Trailers
- Ride-on mowers or quad bikes
Specialist or classic vehicles often require expert appraisal.
9. Items Stored in Lofts, Garages & Outbuildings
These areas frequently contain:
- Family heirlooms
- Vintage toys
- Collectables
- Military memorabilia
- Household items long forgotten
- Jewellery boxes and photo albums
- Rare items accidentally stored away
Professional valuers know how to identify hidden value often missed by executors.
10. Items in Hoarded or Cluttered Properties
Hoarded homes conceal enormous value:
- Coins
- Jewellery
- Valuable collectables
- Books
- Historic ephemera
- Pottery and ceramics
- Designer handbags
- Vintage clothing
FEAC Legal specialises in hoarded property clearance and valuation across the UK, ensuring estates are handled respectfully and thoroughly.
Learn more:
House Clearance
Why It’s Critical to Include Everything
Failing to include an item in the probate valuation can lead to:
- Tax miscalculations
- HMRC questioning the estate
- Additional evidence requests
- Delays in probate
- Beneficiary disputes
- Executor liability
Professional valuations ensure total compliance and peace of mind.
With FEAC Legal, executors benefit from:
- National coverage (England, Scotland & Wales)
- 12+ years of specialist expertise
- Full HMRC compliance
- Professional photography
- Free asset recovery
- Clear PDF reports delivered in 5 working days
- A service trusted by solicitors, executors and administrators
Contact FEAC Legal
Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk
Phone: 07984733931
To make an enquiry or request a valuation, please contact us.
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