Probate · 7 min read · Published
Probate Valuations and Auction Houses in East Yorkshire
Where to get probate valuations in East Yorkshire, including David Duggleby in Scarborough and Dee Atkinson and Harrison in Driffield, and what HMRC expects.
By Aaron Johnson, Consultant Solicitor and TEP, a solicitor in Bridlington who writes every guide himself.
Guides · Probate · No. 13 of 21Published · 7 minutes
When you administer an estate, you must value everything the person owned at the date they died. HMRC needs those figures for the inheritance tax return, and the Probate Registry needs them for the application. Getting them right protects you as executor and means the right amount of inheritance tax is paid. East Yorkshire has auction houses and valuers who do probate work regularly.
Why Probate Valuations Matter
As executor, you must report the value of the estate to HMRC. For larger or more complicated estates that means a full inheritance tax account (form IHT400). For a smaller 'excepted estate' (deaths from 1 January 2022) there is no separate tax form: you give the estate figures in the probate application itself. Either way you must declare everything the person owned at the date of death: property, bank accounts, investments and personal possessions.
Getting valuations wrong causes real problems. Overvalue the estate and you pay too much inheritance tax. Undervalue it and HMRC may open an enquiry, with penalties and interest on top. A written valuation from a reputable auction house or valuer gives you a defensible position if HMRC asks questions.
What Needs Valuing
These types of personal property usually need valuing for probate:
- Jewellery and watches
- Antiques and collectibles
- Art and prints
- Furniture (antique or valuable)
- Vehicles
- Tools and equipment
- Collections (stamps, coins, wine, books)
- Musical instruments
- Garden equipment and machinery
For everyday household contents of modest value, a reasonable estimate is usually enough. For anything that might be worth more than a few hundred pounds, get a professional valuation.
Auction Houses in East Yorkshire
David Duggleby Auctioneers, Scarborough
Visit the David Duggleby Auctioneers website.
David Duggleby is an auction house in Scarborough that offers probate valuations across East Yorkshire. It values estates of all sizes, from ordinary household contents to collections of art, antiques and jewellery, and will visit the house to do so. Items can then be sold through its auctions.
Dee Atkinson and Harrison, Driffield
Visit the Dee Atkinson and Harrison website.
Dee Atkinson and Harrison is a long-established auction house in Driffield, a short drive from Bridlington. It deals in fine art, antiques, agricultural items and general household contents, holds regular sales and carries out probate valuations for families across East Yorkshire.
Auction House Hull and East Yorkshire
Auction House Hull and East Yorkshire is part of the Auction House network and holds regular property and chattel auctions. It is a practical option for families in Hull and the surrounding area who need probate valuations and a route to sale.
Getting a Probate Valuation
How to Get a Probate Valuation
- Contact the auction house or valuerSay you need a probate valuation. They do these regularly and will know what is required.
- Arrange a home visitMost valuers will come to the house and assess the items where they are. This is usually easiest, especially for a large estate.
- Receive the written valuation reportThe valuer lists each item with its open market value at the date of death.
- Use the figures in the tax returnPut the figures in the IHT400, or in the probate application for an excepted estate. Keep the report. You may need it if HMRC raises a query.
Formal vs Informal Valuations
Not every item needs a formal valuation:
Informal Estimate vs Formal Probate Valuation
| Informal Estimate | Formal Probate Valuation | |
|---|---|---|
| Free or low cost | Charged for; ask for a quote | |
| Suits low-value items | Needed for valuable or unusual items | |
| Verbal or a brief note | Detailed written report | |
| May not satisfy HMRC | Accepted by HMRC and the courts | |
| No protection for the executor | Protects the executor if a valuation is challenged |
Property Valuations for Probate
Houses, flats and land also need valuing for probate. You have two main options:
- RICS surveyor valuation: a formal written valuation from a chartered surveyor. Ask for a quote; the fee depends on the property. This carries the most weight with HMRC and is the safer choice for a high-value or unusual property, or an estate near the inheritance tax threshold.
- Estate agent market appraisal: a free, informal valuation based on comparable local sales. HMRC accepts estate agent valuations for most ordinary properties, and most executors take this route.
Vehicles
Ordinary cars, vans and motorcycles can be valued using trade guides such as Glass's or CAP HPI, and HMRC accepts those figures. A classic, vintage or unusual vehicle needs a specialist valuation. A local classic car dealer or marque specialist can usually help.
When to Instruct a Solicitor
If you are unsure about any part of valuing the estate, or the estate is complicated, get legal advice. Aaron works with local valuers and auction houses regularly. He can organise the valuations, complete the inheritance tax return and apply for the grant of probate. His probate fees are fixed and listed on the fees page.
Written by Aaron Johnson, Consultant Solicitor and TEP · Law of England and Wales as at 21 March 2026 · Ends