Probate Valuation
A Probate Valuation provides an independent assessment of a property’s market value for probate and estate administration. Prepared by an experienced RICS Registered Valuer, it helps executors, solicitors and beneficiaries establish the value of residential property accurately and professionally.
Whether you’re administering an estate, applying for probate or need an independent valuation for inheritance tax purposes, our experienced team will guide you through the process and provide a professionally prepared valuation report.
What Is a Probate Valuation?
When someone passes away, any property they owned usually forms part of their estate. Before the estate can be administered, the property’s value often needs to be established for probate and, where applicable, inheritance tax purposes.
A Probate Valuation provides an independent opinion of the property’s open market value at the relevant valuation date. Unlike an estate agent’s appraisal, it is prepared by a qualified RICS Registered Valuer using recognised valuation standards, local market knowledge and comparable sales evidence.
The valuation provides executors, beneficiaries and professional advisers with a reliable assessment that can be used during the administration of the estate.
Who May Need a Probate Valuation?
Probate Valuations are most commonly instructed by executors, administrators of an estate, solicitors and beneficiaries. We also work with accountants and other professional advisers acting on behalf of estates where an independent property valuation is required.
If you’re unsure whether a Probate Valuation is appropriate for your circumstances, we’re happy to explain the process and discuss your requirements before arranging an appointment.
When Is a Probate Valuation Required?
A Probate Valuation is commonly required when:
- Applying for probate.
- Establishing the value of an estate.
- Calculating inheritance tax.
- Selling a property that forms part of an estate.
- Distributing assets between beneficiaries.
- Providing an independent valuation where the property’s value is questioned.
Every estate is different, so if you’re unsure whether a professional valuation is required, our team will be happy to advise.
What's Included in a Probate Valuation?
Every Probate Valuation is tailored to the individual property and the purpose of the instruction.
Where required, one of our RICS Registered Valuers will inspect the property, considering its age, construction, accommodation, condition, location and any factors that may influence its value.
The inspection is supported by research into comparable property sales together with current market evidence to establish an independent opinion of the property’s open market value at the relevant valuation date.
Once completed, you’ll receive a professionally prepared valuation report that can be used to support the administration of the estate.
Every valuation is prepared objectively using recognised professional standards and supported by current market evidence.
How the Probate Valuation Process Works
Arranging a Probate Valuation is straightforward.
Once you contact us, we’ll discuss your requirements, explain the information we’ll need and arrange an inspection if one is required. Following the inspection, the valuation is prepared using current market evidence and comparable sales before your completed report is issued.
Once you’ve received your valuation report, we’re happy to answer any questions and explain the conclusions reached within the report.
Information We'll Need
To help us arrange your Probate Valuation, we’ll normally ask for:
- The property address.
- The name and contact details of the executor or person instructing the valuation.
- The date of death, where applicable.
- Access arrangements for the property.
- Any relevant information about the property.
If you don’t yet have all of this information available, don’t worry. We’ll explain what’s needed before arranging your appointment.
Why Choose Viking Surveyors?
Choosing the right valuer is just as important as obtaining an accurate valuation. Our experienced team provides independent advice, professional valuations and clear communication throughout the process.
RICS Registered Valuers
Every Probate Valuation is prepared by an experienced RICS Registered Valuer working to recognised professional standards.
Independent Advice
We provide objective valuations based on professional judgement, comparable sales evidence and current market conditions.
Prompt Turnaround
We understand that probate matters are often time-sensitive and aim to provide reports as quickly as possible following inspection.
Nationwide Coverage
Our RICS Registered Valuers carry out Probate Valuations for residential properties across England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. An independent valuation prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer provides an objective assessment based on market evidence and recognised professional standards. This can help where beneficiaries or professional advisers require an impartial opinion of the property’s value.
No. A Probate Valuation is based on the property’s market value at the relevant valuation date, which is usually the date of death. Historical market evidence and comparable sales from that period are considered when preparing the valuation.
The property’s condition is taken into account when determining its market value. Factors such as structural defects, damp, outdated fittings or poor maintenance may all influence the valuation where they affect what a buyer would reasonably pay.
A Probate Valuation establishes the property’s market value for probate purposes. If the property is sold later, the agreed sale price may differ depending on market conditions at the time of sale.
Yes. We carry out Probate Valuations for residential properties across England through our network of experienced RICS Registered Valuers.
Yes. If an estate includes multiple residential properties, we can arrange valuations for each property and provide individual reports where required.
Because the valuation has been prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer using recognised professional standards and market evidence, it provides an independent basis for the reported figure. If further clarification is required, we’ll be happy to discuss the valuation with you.
Yes. Every situation is different. If you’re unsure which valuation service is appropriate, we’ll explain the available options and recommend the most suitable service before arranging your appointment.
Get In Touch
If you require a Probate Valuation or you’re unsure which valuation service is appropriate, we’re here to help. Tell us a little about the property and we’ll explain the process before preparing your quotation.
If you’d rather speak to someone, call us on:
Areas We Cover
With offices across England, we carry out Probate Valuations for homeowners across a wide range of towns, cities and surrounding areas. Use the map below to find your nearest office and the locations it covers.