Sensitive, thorough and HMRC-compliant valuations for executors, solicitors and families. We handle the process — so you don’t have to.
You don’t need all the answers
Dealing with an estate can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re unsure what has value and what doesn’t. Most people come to us not knowing where to start, and that’s completely normal. Our role is to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
We work sensitively with executors, solicitors and family members across London and Surrey — providing honest, practical guidance on what can be sold at auction, what may need specialist attention, and what the next steps are.
Who We Work With
You’ve been asked to deal with the contents of a property and aren’t sure what has value. We can visit, assess everything and advise on the best route — auction, specialist dealer or clearance — for each category of items.
We regularly work directly with solicitors and legal representatives. We provide HMRC-compliant probate valuations, illustrated reports and can liaise directly with your team throughout the process.
Most properties contain a mixture. Our role is to identify what’s suitable for auction before anything is cleared, ensuring nothing of potential value is overlooked or disposed of prematurely.
Not everything requires a full estate valuation. If there are specific items — jewellery, art, silver — that need assessing within a wider situation, we can focus on those individually.
Probate Chattels & Contents
A probate chattels and contents valuation is an assessment of the movable items within an estate, prepared to assist with probate and estate administration. Unlike insurance or replacement valuations, it reflects fair market value: what items would reasonably achieve if sold, based on condition, demand and current market evidence.
Without one, an estate may end up overpaying or underpaying inheritance tax. As an auction-led business we see what sells, and for how much, every month, so our valuations are realistic, well reasoned and defensible. Items of particular interest or value are identified separately and explained clearly in the report.
Our enhanced jewellery valuation for probate uses electronic gold and gemstone testers, digital gemstone gauges and XRF analysis, giving a precise, scientific assessment of each item's true metal content.
Why Choose Us
A formal, illustrated report prepared to HMRC standards for use in probate applications.
We come to you — whether that’s a family home, a rented property or a storage facility.
Antiques, jewellery, silver, art, collectables, furniture, books and general contents.
We work directly with legal representatives and can provide documentation in the format required.
We’ll tell you clearly what’s suitable for auction, what may need specialist handling, and what’s unlikely to sell.
Our first conversation is always free. There’s no pressure and no commitment required at any stage.
How It Works
Call, email or fill in our form. Tell us about the property and the situation — we’ll guide you on the best approach from there.
One of the team visits the property to assess the contents. We work at a pace that suits you and handle everything sensitively.
We prepare a formal, HMRC-compliant valuation report with descriptions and open market values for all items of note.
We advise on auction, specialist sale, house clearance or a combination — and can coordinate all of it on your behalf.
Where We Work
We regularly carry out probate chattels and contents valuations in Croydon, Sutton, Wallington, Epsom, Wimbledon, Kingston, Richmond, Reigate and Guildford, as well as Islington, Camden, Hampstead, Greenwich, Blackheath, Dulwich, Putney, Clapham, Mayfair, Marylebone, Westminster, Chiswick, Ealing, Hackney, Walthamstow, Beckenham, Chislehurst, Woking, Weybridge, Brighton, Worthing, Horsham and the surrounding areas.
Request a Probate Valuation
Fill in the form and we’ll get back to you within one working day. All enquiries are handled in complete confidence.
Frequently Asked
We usually allow one to two hours at the property. We then carry out any research needed and aim to send your valuation as a PDF within three days of the visit.
Our fees depend on the size of the property and the research involved. Probate valuations typically start from £225 + VAT, and your initial consultation is free.
Your valuation is supplied as a clear PDF report, ready to forward to your solicitor or legal professional so they can calculate any liabilities. Hard copies can be issued on request.
Furniture and general household contents, antiques, art, jewellery and watches, silver and precious metals, collectables, toys, militaria and medals, books and personal effects, and vehicles including classic and modern cars and motorcycles.
Yes. We understand that a valuation is sometimes needed for compliance purposes, and we can still visit the property and carry out the valuation.
Yes. Anything identified can be entered into one of our auctions, as part of a wider house clearance if required. We can also arrange transport of goods to our warehouse and the disposal of items that are not saleable.
We hold full professional indemnity insurance and are members of The Property Ombudsman and the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers. We offer an all-in-one probate service, from the initial valuation through to the sale of chattels, backed by a wide network of specialists for more niche items.
What our clients say
"Unlike the haughty and impatient attitude of many auction houses, particularly those in the London area, the staff and owners of London Auctions are approachable, helpful and seem genuinely pleased to be working with their bidders and sellers."
"Liam and team did a great job for me in clearing out and repairing and cleaning a flat in Westminster comprised in a deceased estate in order to prepare it for putting on the market. They were excellent to deal with and I highly recommend them."
"Cannot recommend highly enough. Cleared house at very short notice. Took care of everything including auction items. Very smooth, hassle free process from start to finish with great communication and quick payment after auction."
Free no-obligation valuations available — by WhatsApp, online, in person or by post.
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