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.

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

When one of our Auctioneum valuers attends the property, they will:

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

Full Probate House Clearance Services

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

This includes:

• 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.

Probate Documentation

After the valuation visit, Auctioneum will supply all necessary documentation. This includes itemised inventories, valuation reports, and photographic records, suitable for legal representatives, family members, and HMRC requirements.

Having the correct probate documentation in place ensures a smoother process for estate administration, tax submissions, and eventual property division — giving families and executors peace of mind.

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.
• Settle auction proceeds promptly into the designated client account.

To discuss our probate valuation and clearance services in more detail, please contact us  on 0117 9671000, email us at: info@auctioneum.co.uk