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

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 Broadclyst

• 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 Broadclyst and across Devon.
Call 07984733931 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.

What Is Included in an HMRC-Compliant Probate Valuation Report?

A probate valuation report must meet HMRC’s strict requirements to be accepted as valid evidence of the estate’s value. Executors often underestimate how detailed and structured an HMRC-compliant report needs to be. Without the correct information, supporting documentation, and valuation methodology, the report may be rejected — causing delays, tax reassessments, or even penalties.

Understanding what must be included in a compliant probate valuation helps executors avoid these issues and ensures the estate administration process runs smoothly.

This article explains exactly what an HMRC-compliant probate valuation report contains and why professional preparation is essential.

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1. A Full Inventory of Personal Property (Chattels)

An HMRC-compliant report includes a complete, itemised record of the estate’s personal property, such as:

• Furniture and household contents
• Jewellery and watches
• Artwork and antiques
• Collectables and curiosities
• Vehicles and tools
• Specialist or high-value items

Each item must be catalogued clearly to show:

• What it is
• Where it was located in the property
• Its condition at the date of death
• Its open market value

This provides transparency for beneficiaries, solicitors, and HMRC.

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2. Open Market Values for All Assets

The core requirement from HMRC is that all items are valued at open market value, meaning:

The amount an asset would realistically achieve at auction on the date of death.

This value is vastly different from:

• Insurance valuations
• Retail prices
• Sentimental estimates
• Replacement costs

Professional valuers ensure all figures reflect actual market conditions, supported by evidence.

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3. Full Photographic Documentation

A compliant report must include photographs of:

• High-value items
• Sentimental or heirloom pieces
• Specialist or unique assets
• Jewellery, watches, and collectibles
• Entire room contents where necessary

Photos help:

• Prevent disputes
• Support transparency
• Demonstrate condition
• Provide evidence for HMRC
• Assist in estate distribution

FEAC Legal includes comprehensive photography as standard.

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4. Methodology Statement

HMRC requires valuers to explain how the valuation was conducted.

This section outlines:

• The valuation approach used
• Market data sources
• Comparable auction results
• Specialist insight (if relevant)
• How condition and provenance influenced value

This ensures HMRC can trust and verify the figures provided.

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5. Identification and Valuation of Specialist Items

Many estates contain items requiring expert knowledge, such as:

• Silver and gold
• Antiques
• Fine art
• Watches
• Militaria
• Collectors’ items
• Notable brands (e.g., Lalique, Moorcroft, Royal Crown Derby)

An HMRC-compliant report must give detailed descriptions and accurate valuations for these items.
FEAC Legal’s valuers are trained to identify and appraise specialist objects correctly.

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6. A Record of Items With Nominal or No Market Value

Not all belongings hold value in today’s market. HMRC expects valuers to note items that:

• Have little resale demand
• Would not achieve a meaningful auction price
• Are everyday household items without collectable status

Categorising low-value items prevents overvaluation and ensures the estate does not pay unnecessary inheritance tax.

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7. Documentation of Undisclosed or Newly Discovered Assets

If valuers uncover hidden or forgotten items, the report must include:

• Photos
• Descriptions
• Date-of-death values
• Notes on how the items were found

FEAC Legal’s free asset recovery service is especially useful in ensuring no valuable items are missed.
Learn more: Asset Recovery Service.

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8. Identification of Jointly Owned or Excluded Assets

Some items may:

• Belong to a surviving partner
• Be owned jointly
• Be held in trust
• Be excluded from the estate legally

HMRC requires the report to clearly distinguish:

• The deceased’s assets
• The surviving owner’s property
• The deceased’s percentage share (if applicable)

This prevents misreporting and incorrect tax calculations.

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9. A Summary Valuation for HMRC Forms

Executors use the report to complete:

• IHT400
• IHT205
• IHT421
• Estate accounts

An HMRC-compliant valuation includes a clear summary of:

• Total value of chattels
• Breakdown of high-value categories
• Notes on specialist items
• Any adjustments or clarifications

This ensures smooth transfer of information to legal documents.

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10. Legal Certification of Accuracy

A compliant report must be:

• Signed
• Dated
• Issued by a qualified professional
• Structured in accordance with HMRC expectations

This gives the valuation legal credibility and ensures HMRC accepts it.

FEAC Legal has never had a valuation rejected by HMRC.

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Why Executors Choose FEAC Legal for HMRC-Compliant Probate Reports

FEAC Legal specialises in delivering reports that meet — and exceed — HMRC requirements.

Our service includes:

• Full asset inventory
• Clear descriptions and itemised values
• Detailed photographic evidence
• Accurate open market valuations
• Free asset recovery
• Two valuers at every appointment
• Reports delivered within 5 working days
• National coverage across England, Scotland & Wales
• Transparent, fixed-fee pricing
• A perfect HMRC acceptance record

Executors and solicitors trust our reports for their clarity, accuracy, and compliance.

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Contact FEAC Legal

Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk
Phone: 07984733931

For an HMRC-compliant probate valuation report you can depend on, please contact us.