When someone passes away, it is often necessary to obtain a professional valuation of their property for probate or inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. At Skylark Surveyors, we provide independent RICS valuations that meet the requirements of HMRC, solicitors and executors, helping you through this process with accuracy and sensitivity.

A probate valuation is an assessment of the property’s open market value at the date of death. This valuation is required to:

• Apply for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.
• Calculate any inheritance tax liability payable to HMRC.
• Support estate distribution among beneficiaries.

Our reports are prepared in line with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards (Red Book) and HMRC guidelines, so they will be accepted by your solicitor and HMRC without issue.

HMRC requires that all inheritance tax valuations are based on a professional, independent market valuation. Using an estate agent’s opinion or an informal estimate may not be sufficient and could cause delays, disputes or tax penalties. A professional RICS valuation is an accurate assessment of the market value at the valuation date.

Our probate valuation reports:

• State the open market value as at the date of death.
• Include relevant comparable sales and justification for the valuation.
• Are compliant with HMRC and RICS Red Book standards.
• Can be provided as a secure, signed PDF for solicitors, executors and HMRC.

Retrospective Valuations

In some cases, HMRC or solicitors may request a retrospective valuation if probate has already been granted or if an estate is being reviewed. We can provide valuations backdated to the date of death, supported by sales evidence from that period.

• Local knowledge – We provide Help to Buy valuations across Guildford, Woking, Farnham, Basingstoke, Winchester, Petersfield, Havant, Portsmouth, and surrounding areas.
• RICS Registered & HMRC-compliant – Ensuring your valuation is an accurate report of market value so that your valuation is accepted.
• Prompt turnaround – valuations arranged at a time convenient to you, usually the same or next week, with reports sent promptly after the inspection.
• Support for executors and solicitors – clear, transparent reports that make the probate process easier.

We provide valuations across:

• Surrey – including Guildford, Godalming, Woking, Camberley, Farnham, and Epsom
• Hampshire – including Basingstoke, Winchester, Petersfield, Alton, Havant and Portsmouth
• Wider South East – we also cover parts of West Sussex, Berkshire and South West London

To arrange your valuation, contact our friendly team today.

📞 Call us on 01252 985888 or complete our contact form below.

What’s the difference between a probate valuation and an estate agent’s valuation?

An estate agent’s figure is often an asking price and not necessarily the price a property will sell for. A probate valuation must report the market value, and therefore a report prepared by an RICS Registered Valuer in line with the RICS Red Book and HMRC requirements gives an accurate open market value at the date of death.

Are your probate valuations accepted by HMRC?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, our reports are accepted by HMRC without question. They are regularly used by solicitors and executors in probate and inheritance tax submissions. If the value is challenged (very rare) we will be on hand to liaise with the District Valuers Office on your behalf.

Can you provide retrospective valuations?

Yes – if required, we can provide a retrospective valuation backdated to the date of death, supported by comparable sales evidence from that time.

How long does a probate valuation take?

We usually arrange inspections promptly and aim to deliver the report within a few working days after inspection, helping you avoid delays in probate or inheritance tax submissions.

Do you cover my area?

We provide probate valuations across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and West Sussex, including towns such as Guildford, Woking, Basingstoke, Reading, Crawley and surrounding areas.