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

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 Crich

• 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 Crich and across Derbyshire.
Call 07984733931 or email admin@feaclegal.co.uk.

How Are Investments Valued in Probate?

When an individual passes away, their estate includes not just physical possessions such as property, jewellery, and household contents, but also financial holdings — including investments. Accurately valuing these investments is essential for inheritance tax (IHT) calculations, estate distribution, and compliance with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) requirements. Executors and solicitors must ensure all shares, bonds, and financial instruments are valued correctly as of the date of death. This article explains how investments are valued during probate, what information is required, and how FEAC Legal Probate Valuations ensures every valuation is detailed, compliant, and transparent.

---

What Are Investment Assets in Probate?

Investment assets form part of an individual’s financial estate and can include a broad range of instruments such as:

• Stocks and shares (UK and international)
• Investment funds, including unit trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs)
• Bonds and gilts
• Savings certificates and premium bonds
• Pensions and annuities (where payable to the estate)
• Private equity holdings or business investments
• Cryptocurrency and digital investments

Each of these assets must be appraised at open market value — the price they could reasonably be expected to fetch if sold on the date of death.

---

Why Investment Valuation Matters in Probate

Accurate valuation of investments is vital because it directly affects:

• The inheritance tax (IHT) calculation.
• The total value of the deceased’s estate.
• The fair distribution of assets among beneficiaries.
• The executor’s legal compliance with HMRC reporting requirements.

If investments are undervalued or omitted, HMRC may impose penalties or reopen the estate for reassessment. Overvaluation, meanwhile, could lead to unnecessary tax being paid.

FEAC Legal Probate Valuations ensures that all financial holdings are correctly identified, valued, and documented to protect both executors and beneficiaries.

---

How Investments Are Valued for Probate

The process of valuing investments for probate depends on the type of asset. However, all valuations must reflect the open market value at the date of death, not at any later or earlier date.

1. Quoted Shares and Securities

For shares listed on a recognised stock exchange (such as the London Stock Exchange):

• The valuation is based on the mid-price between the day’s highest and lowest quoted market price on the date of death.
• If the date of death falls on a weekend or public holiday, the value is taken from the next available trading day.
• All prices must be expressed in pounds sterling (GBP), even for foreign holdings.

Example:
If Company X shares were quoted at £2.90–£3.10 on the date of death, the probate valuation per share would be £3.00.

2. Unit Trusts and OEICs (Open-Ended Investment Companies)

• Valued using the selling price (bid price) on the date of death.
• The number of units held is multiplied by the bid price to calculate the total holding value.
• Some funds provide daily valuations directly to executors or solicitors on request.

3. Investment Bonds and Gilts

• Fixed-interest securities such as government bonds or corporate gilts are valued using market quotations for the date of death.
• Any accrued interest up to the date of death must also be included in the valuation.

4. Private Company Shares

• For unlisted or privately held company shares, open market value is determined through a professional business valuation.
• This involves analysing company accounts, profitability, and comparable market transactions.
• FEAC Legal works with qualified business valuers to ensure compliance with HMRC’s valuation methodology.

5. Pensions, Annuities, and Investment Accounts

• Pensions payable to the estate are valued based on the lump sum entitlement or transfer value at the date of death.
• Investment accounts (such as ISAs or brokerage portfolios) are valued by requesting an official statement from the provider, showing holdings and their respective market values on the date of death.

6. Cryptocurrency and Digital Investments

• Digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies must also be declared.
• Their value is based on the exchange rate on the date of death from a reputable trading platform.
• FEAC Legal ensures these assets are included and recorded in the estate valuation where applicable.

---

Information Executors Need to Provide

To value investments accurately, executors or solicitors should gather:

• Latest portfolio statements or share certificates.
• Details of investment platforms, account numbers, and providers.
• Dates of purchase, where known (for reference).
• Documentation of foreign holdings or overseas accounts.
• Confirmation of any jointly held investments (only the deceased’s share is included in probate).

Where documentation is incomplete, FEAC Legal can assist in locating and confirming investments through asset recovery, ensuring that all holdings are accounted for.

---

Currency Conversion for Overseas Investments

Foreign investments must be converted into pounds sterling using the exchange rate applicable on the date of death. HMRC publishes official rates, but professional valuers also refer to financial databases for precision.

For example:
If €50,000 was held in an investment fund and the exchange rate on the date of death was €1.15 = £1, the UK value would be £43,478.

---

HMRC Requirements for Investment Valuations

Executors must declare all investments on the relevant inheritance tax forms:

• IHT205 for simpler estates.
• IHT400 for estates exceeding the tax threshold or including complex assets.

Each asset entry should include:

• Description (e.g. “1,000 shares in Company X plc”).
• Number of units or shares.
• Market value per unit/share.
• Total value.

FEAC Legal’s reports are structured for direct inclusion in HMRC submissions, ensuring full transparency and acceptance.

---

Valuation of Investments Held Jointly or in Trust

If investments are jointly owned, only the deceased’s proportionate share is included in the probate valuation.
For example, if two individuals held equal shares in a portfolio worth £100,000, only £50,000 would be entered into the estate accounts.

For assets held in trust, inclusion depends on the trust’s terms. FEAC Legal works with solicitors to identify which investments form part of the taxable estate.

---

How FEAC Legal Ensures Accurate and Compliant Valuations

FEAC Legal Probate Valuations has over 12 years of experience providing HMRC-compliant investment valuationsacross England, Scotland, and Wales.

Our approach includes:

• Liaising with investment providers to obtain accurate figures and supporting statements.
• Applying HMRC-approved valuation methods for shares, funds, and private holdings.
• Preparing a detailed, itemised PDF report for submission to solicitors and HMRC.
• Ensuring full currency conversion and market documentation where applicable.
• Coordinating with financial advisors or accountants where needed.

This professional and transparent process ensures that every investment is reported accurately and defensibly.

---

Why Accurate Investment Valuation Is Essential

A miscalculated investment valuation can lead to:

• HMRC penalties for underreporting.
• Overpayment of inheritance tax due to overvaluation.
• Delays in estate administration.
• Beneficiary disputes if asset values are unclear.

By engaging FEAC Legal, executors ensure each investment is recorded with verifiable market data, protecting them from liability and ensuring compliance throughout the probate process.

---

Conclusion

Investments play a major role in determining the overall value of an estate, and their accurate valuation is essential for probate and inheritance tax purposes. Every share, fund, or financial asset must be valued at its open market price as of the date of death and reported transparently to HMRC.

With FEAC Legal Probate Valuations, executors and solicitors can rely on precise, evidence-backed valuations that meet every legal and tax requirement. From listed shares to private investments and overseas portfolios, FEAC Legal ensures full compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind.

---

Contact Us
If you are an executor, solicitor, or estate administrator seeking professional probate valuation and clearance services, FEAC Legal Probate Valuations is here to assist.
Our services include:
Detailed, HMRC-compliant probate valuations
Inclusive asset recovery for identifying and safeguarding valuables
Specialist hoarded house clearance managed with care and compliance
Clear, itemised valuation reports with photographic documentation
Secure property access and flexible key collection throughout the UK and Scotland
Contact FEAC Legal today to discuss your probate valuation and estate clearance needs.
Phone: 07984 733931
Email: admin@feaclegal.co.uk
Office Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am – 7pm | Sunday, 9am – 6pm
Serving clients nationwide with trusted probate valuation and clearance expertise.