INSURANCE
We provide a written valuation with photographs. It is important to check with your house contents insurer as to the value over which they need a specific valuation. The values of most furnishings and home contents can be checked online or within shops. However, antiques, paintings and objets d'art would benefit from a professional valuation - as would high value jewellery by a qualified jeweller.
INHERITANCE TAX / PROBATE:
Maxwells offers valuation services for the contents of a property following a death, particularly in cases where a solicitor advises that a valuation is required for Inheritance Tax purposes. Inheritance Tax is dependant on the size of and nature of the estate, and an accurate valuation of the house contents is essential to determine the possible tax liability.
We provide a professional and comprehensive valuation service by arranging a visit to the property. During the visit, the valuer will carefully itemise the contents and provide a written valuation in accordance with Inland Revenue and Royal Society of Chartered Surveyors regulations. We are aware that this can be a very difficult time for families and make our visit as considerate as possible.
If required, we can also provide valuations for specific items within the property, not just the entire contents. This could be for specifically bequeathed items in the will.
Regarding the fees for valuations, Maxwells operates on a time basis. Th initial hour of valuation including travel time within a 10 mile radius is charged ar £200 for the first hour with a subsequent rate of £100 per hour. The minimum charge for a valuation is £200. These charges are subject to VAT at the current rate