Probate Services

Whether you’re dealing with the contents of a small terraced house or a large country estate, one of our experienced, SOFAA-approved valuers will be able to assist you with any probate enquiries across Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.

Probate valuations

We provide full probate valuation services, including a typed inventory and valuation report, typically delivered within seven days of visiting the property — often sooner.

What to expect from our probate valuation visits

1. Visit the property — and record all items with an estimated value over £200.
2. Note saleable items — list any items of lower value that are still saleable through one of our Bristol or Bath auction salerooms.
3. Prepare the report — a detailed valuation report in line with Section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984, suitable for probate purposes and HMRC.
4. Photograph — all relevant items, to assist executors, solicitors and beneficiaries pre- and post-grant of probate.
5. Secure storage — if needed, immediate collection and secure storage of high-value, sentimental or disputed items by our trusted clearance and collection team.

Full probate house clearance

Following our initial valuation, and once the grant of probate or legal permissions are in place, we can carry out a complete house clearance.

• Removing all items from the property — both those for auction and those with no market value
• Handling personal documentation according to your instructions: returned to executors, securely destroyed or stored
• Organising donations of clothing and low-value items to charity, where requested
• Identifying and valuing any specific bequests, and arranging their distribution if required
• Transporting all other saleable items to Auctioneum for inclusion in a suitable auction

Sales, clearance and collection of estate items

Once we receive instruction from the executor, solicitor or family — and probate permissions are in place — we can arrange for the sale of items through our regular or specialist auctions. We will collect and transport valuable items from the estate to the appropriate saleroom, advise on reserve prices where appropriate, and settle auction proceeds promptly into the designated client account.