VALUATIONS

We are able to provide valuation advice for any purpose but most commonly we provide valuations where there is matrimonial dispute, for probate purposes where death has occurred, for insurance purposes, to assess assets or pre-purchase advice.

It is often said that there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Unfortunately, the first generally brings the second following closely behind it. Inheritance tax (or IHT) is one of the great perennial gripes but, at least as things currently stand, many people are still eligible to pay it.

When someone dies, one of the first responsibilities of the executors is to carry out a valuation of the estate. This is important for two reasons: it will firstly enable the executor to ascertain whether or not there is sufficient value in the estate to cover all of the liabilities and bequests left; and it will secondly ensure that it is known how much (if any) IHT will be payable. It should also be noted that, in most circumstances, the executor will not be permitted to take control of the estate (that is, they will not be given a Grant of Probate) until at least some of the IHT which is owed has been paid. As a result, the valuation of the estate is an essential first step not only for tax reasons, but also for the continuing discharge of the executor's duties.

A valuation of an estate should include any assets that were under the ownership of the deceased at the time of death. This must include property such as houses, as well as the moveable estate; that is, assets such as money, stocks, and possessions such as jewellery. Furthermore, for IHT purposes, you must include certain gifts that were given by the deceased individual within the seven years prior to death.

We are able to undertake valuation of all freehold or leasehold property assets to include dwelling houses, retail, commercial, industrial, leisure or agricultural assets.