Property Valuations for Probate
As RICS Chartered Surveyors, we provide a range of specialist probate services to Executors, Solicitors and Administrators, providing best care and fairest pricing within a mostly unregulated industry.
The 'Samson Consultants Probate' Network
Our 'Samson Consultants Probate' network consists of leading UK probate specialists who have collectively handled over 30,000 cases. The network provides a range of professional services for solicitors, executors and administrators, allowing clients to select support for specific stages of the probate process — from valuations and insurance to beneficiary tracing.
Each case is managed by a dedicated expert, ensuring a professional and sensitive approach throughout. All network members are regulated within their respective sectors, giving clients confidence in receiving high-quality service and fair pricing in an otherwise largely unregulated industry.
What is Probate?
When someone dies, probate must be granted before their estate can be distributed to beneficiaries. As part of this process, all assets and liabilities — including residential property — must be valued and reported to HMRC. Depending on the total value of the estate, Inheritance Tax (IHT) may be payable.
If HMRC believes a property has been incorrectly valued, it can open an investigation, making it essential that probate valuations are accurate and properly supported. Property is often the largest asset in an estate, but unlike cash or shares, it does not have a fixed value.
For probate purposes, the value is defined as the price the property might reasonably achieve if sold on the open market to a willing buyer on the date of transfer — usually the date of death, although different rules apply if the property was gifted within the previous seven years.
Who Arranges the Valuation?
The responsibility for valuing a property lies with the personal representatives of the deceased. This is typically the executor named in the will, or an administrator if no will exists. Executors may be beneficiaries themselves or third parties such as solicitors.
What Should Be Taken Into Account?
- Whether the property is leasehold and the remaining lease length
- Any existing tenancies and rental terms
- Legal restrictions such as covenants or easements
- Whether the property is jointly owned
- Development potential or "hope value"
- If multiple properties, each valued individually
Who Should Carry Out the Valuation?
HMRC recommends obtaining a professional valuation for assets worth over £1,500, unless the estate is small or passes entirely to a spouse or civil partner. For lower-value, straightforward properties where IHT is unlikely, a local estate agent's valuation may be sufficient — but care should be taken to ensure the valuation reflects realistic market value rather than an inflated asking price.
For higher-value, complex or unusual properties, or where inheritance tax is expected to be payable, a formal valuation from a RICS-qualified surveyor is strongly advisable. A RICS "Red Book" valuation follows recognised professional standards and is far less likely to be challenged by HMRC, helping to reduce the risk of disputes, delays and additional costs.
Probate Sales
Samson Consultants Probate has an agency department that specialises in facilitating the sale of properties that specifically fall into probate. Our ability to offer an all-inclusive valuation and selling service is invaluable to clients who seek the assurance of our experience and specialist knowledge as an independent group of professional Chartered Surveyors.
With over 5,000 cases handled by our leadership team, our expertise is unparalleled. We advise on the best method of sale — open market, auction or private investor — to enhance the value of the property and achieve the best price for the estate.
- Advising on the best method of sale to achieve the best price for the estate
- Invaluable tips to avoid an HMRC investigation post sale
- Clearing and preparing the property for sale
- Preparing marketing material and advertising via the most appropriate method
- Managing viewings and open house events to generate strong offers
- Qualifying offers, negotiating and agreeing terms of sale on the beneficiary's behalf
- Regular monitoring and communication with all parties through to completion
Our Inheritance Tax / Probate Valuation Service
Probate valuation dates are often retrospective and can date back many years, requiring skill and judgment to arrive at an accurate figure. Samson Chartered Surveyors will undertake a site inspection, measure floor areas, check known databases for comparable evidence and provide a detailed written valuation suitable for submission to HMRC.
"There can be no assurance that a valuation from a selling estate agent will be sufficient. If there is an undervaluation, there is no guarantee that there will be no penalty although penalties will not be charged where the method of valuation is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances."
— HMRC guidance on probate valuations
As two of the Directors at Samson Chartered Surveyors are Revenue trained, with many years of experience gained at the District Valuers Office, their knowledge and experience is invaluable when preparing a valuation for Inheritance Tax.
Valuation Summary — What's Included
- Site visit by a qualified RICS surveyor
- Property measured and photographed
- Detailed research on comparable evidence
- Detailed written report suitable for HMRC submission
- Post-valuation support by phone and email
- Assistance with negotiations with HMRC if required
Property and Contents Valuation
Our sister company, Samson Consultants Probate, has a market-leading team of RICS Registered Valuers who specialise in handling thousands of RICS Red Book Property and Contents Probate Valuations each year.
Our surveyors are Probate experts and trusted by the District Valuer Services (DVS) — the specialist property arm of HMRC (the Valuation Office Agency). We leave our clients feeling secure that they have done all in their power to avoid an HMRC investigation.
Why Choose Samson for Probate?
Market Leaders
A team of expert RICS Registered Valuers signing off over 1,000 Red Book property valuations per year. Nationally recognised as Probate (IHT) Valuation experts.
HMRC Trusted
Our surveyors are trusted by the District Valuer Services (DVS), the specialist valuation arm of HMRC. Universally-recognised RICS Red Book reports meeting stringent professional standards.
Serving 350+ Legal Firms
Serving over 350 legal firms as their chosen Probate Valuers. Competitive pricing, precise reports, and reductions when instructed on both property and contents.
Revenue-Trained Directors
Two Directors are Revenue trained with many years of experience at the District Valuers Office — invaluable expertise when preparing valuations for Inheritance Tax.
Need a Probate Valuation?
Our RICS Chartered Surveyors handle every case with sensitivity and professionalism. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote.