Do you provide written probate valuations for HMRC?
Yes. A written probate valuation is a comprehensive inventory of the contents with realistic market values, in documentation accepted by HMRC for inheritance tax purposes. It is handled discreetly, and we can work directly with solicitors, executors or family members. The full list of what it includes is on our page about probate valuations in Leeds.
HMRC’s guidance says it “will usually be able to accept” a professional valuation that states it was prepared on the basis of open market value, or under section 160 of the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 (IHTM21041). If your firm needs particular wording, or a particular valuation date stated, tell us when you instruct us.
Clearing and selling the contents for the estate
We can value the contents, sell what will sell in our fortnightly Saturday auction, and clear the property. What won’t sell is cleared responsibly or donated. Our fees are deducted and the balance is returned.
Our guide Probate valuations of house contents, explained sets out how auction results are treated for inheritance tax.
Estate agents preparing a property for sale
We work with estate agents as well as solicitors. A full house clearance empties the property; a part house clearance takes only the rooms or pieces that need to go.
Fees and how they’re paid
Clearances are priced on the volume and nature of what needs removing, and the cost may be covered or reduced by the value of items sold at auction.
| Item | Charge | When |
|---|---|---|
| Written probate valuation | Chargeable | Fee payable at the visit |
| House clearance | Chargeable | Priced on volume and nature; may be covered or reduced by what sells at auction |
| Collecting larger items for auction | Free | Some exceptions, depending on the item and location |
| Lot fee | £4.00 | Per item, sold or unsold |
| Seller’s commission | 22% | Plus VAT on the commission, only when sold |
How to instruct us
Step 1
Get in touch
Call the office on 0113 250 2626, or Mark on 07764 405701. You can also email info@shelbysauctioneers.net. Give the property address and what is needed.
Step 2
We arrange a visit
We agree a time to see the property with whoever is dealing with it.
Step 3
Valuation, clearance and sale
The written valuation, clearance and sale go ahead as instructed.
Questions from professionals
Are auction results after a death useful for the IHT account?
They can be. HMRC’s manual says sales after the death, particularly those at auction, “provide the best evidence” of value. Where an auction price is used, it is the hammer price “before deduction of commission … and without addition of any buyer’s premium” (IHTM21041). The person preparing the account decides how to use it.
Can you clear and sell the contents for the estate?
Yes. We value the contents, sell what will sell in our fortnightly auction, and clear the property. Our fees are deducted and the balance is returned. A clearance is chargeable, but the cost may be covered or reduced by what sells.