Dealing with probate can feel overwhelming, especially when chattels, antiques, or collections are involved. At FEAC Legal, we provide HMRC compliant probate valuations for Broad Oak 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 Broad Oak

• 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 Broad Oak and across East Sussex.
Call 07984733931 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.

How Accurate Do Probate Valuations Need To Be for HMRC?

When administering an estate, executors must provide HMRC with a correct and compliant valuation of all personal property. This isn’t optional—HMRC requires valuations to reflect true open market value, supported by evidence and prepared using recognised professional standards. But how accurate does a probate valuation really need to be?

In short: extremely accurate. HMRC has the authority to question, reject, or challenge any valuation it considers incorrect, inflated, or underestimated. Executors can be held personally liable for errors. This is why professional probate valuations from an experienced firm such as FEAC Legal are essential for protecting both the estate and those responsible for administering it.

Below, we explain exactly what level of accuracy HMRC expects, how they assess valuations, and why professional expertise is the safest route.

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Why HMRC Requires High Accuracy in Probate Valuations

Probate valuations determine the Inheritance Tax (IHT) owed by the estate. Incorrect figures can result in:

• Overpayment of tax
• Underpayment of tax
• Penalties and interest
• Delays in the probate process
• HMRC investigations

Executors are legally responsible for ensuring valuations are correct. HMRC expects valuations to be realistic, evidence-based, and professionally supported, not estimated or guessed.

FEAC Legal has completed valuations for over 12 years and has never had a report rejected by HMRC, giving executors reassurance that their submission is compliant from the start.

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What Level of Detail Does HMRC Expect?

A probate valuation must reflect current open market value—what an item would reasonably sell for today in its used condition. HMRC expects valuers to analyse:

• Market trends
• Comparable sales
• Rarity and demand
• Provenance
• Age and condition
• Material and craftsmanship

High-value or unusual items (jewellery, silver, artwork, militaria, collectables) require specialist appraisal. General household contents must still be grouped and priced accurately, not estimated based on assumptions.

A professional report includes:

• Item descriptions
• Photographs
• Individual values for significant items
• Group valuations where appropriate
• Total IHT value

This is why FEAC Legal’s probate valuations are trusted nationwide—every figure is supported by real market evidence.

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HMRC Challenges: What Happens if a Valuation Is Wrong?

If HMRC believes an estate has been undervalued or lacks sufficient evidence, they may:

• Request further supporting information
• Compare the valuation to market data
• Refer the report to the HMRC Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
• Issue revised figures
• Apply penalties for negligence or inaccuracies

Executors can be personally liable for differences in IHT, especially where figures were provided without professional input.

Using a qualified valuer significantly reduces the risk of HMRC raising queries or contesting item values.

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Why Professional Valuations Are More Accurate

DIY valuations often overlook:

• Vintage items with unexpected value
• Designer or branded pieces
• Original artwork
• Precious metal content
• Collectables with fluctuating markets
• Hidden or forgotten valuables
• Rare items stored in lofts, garages, or drawers

A professional valuer knows where value is typically hidden and ensures nothing is missed.

FEAC Legal also provides a free asset recovery service, helping executors locate jewellery, historic documents, and high-value items that may otherwise be lost or accidentally discarded. More details here:
Asset Recovery

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How FEAC Legal Ensures 100% HMRC Compliance

Every FEAC Legal probate valuation includes:

• A full on-site inspection by experienced valuers
• Professional photography of all relevant contents
• Accurate open market values for every item
• Grouped valuations for general household contents
• Transparent methodology
• A final HMRC-ready PDF report
• National coverage across England, Scotland & Wales

Our valuation experts specialise in antiques, jewellery, fine art, collectables, militaria, and general chattels—ensuring every item is properly identified and correctly valued.

With no rejections from HMRC in over a decade, executors rely on us for accuracy, compliance, and complete peace of mind.

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Why Accuracy Protects Executors

Accurate valuations offer protection by:

• Preventing HMRC penalties
• Ensuring beneficiaries receive correct distributions
• Avoiding disputes or challenges
• Creating a transparent estate record
• Supporting clear and defendable probate submissions

Executors who rely on professional valuations complete their duties confidently, knowing the estate has been properly documented.

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Contact FEAC Legal

Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk
Phone: 07984733931
To make an enquiry or request a valuation, please contact us.