How to get probate values right as pensions added to Inheritance Tax

When you’re at your most vulnerable after the loss of a loved one, navigating probate can feel overwhelming. While advice from well-meaning friends and colleagues is comforting, it can easily set you on the wrong path when dealing with the daunting mountain of HMRC paperwork.

In reality, whether you choose to handle the legal probate process yourself or hand it over to a solicitor, one critical job always lands squarely on the executor: putting an accurate value on the deceased's household contents and possessions.

It is the part of the process most people are least equipped for, and getting it wrong costs families thousands.

That is where Swift Values comes in. Their UK-leading probate valuation service may be relatively new, but it has already been shortlisted for Best Use of Technology in the British Wills & Probate Awards and featured in Which? Money magazine.

Founded out of necessity during the Covid lockdowns, the business has rapidly grown an excellent reputation as a much-needed alternative for getting home contents valuations right, ensuring you don’t overpay Inheritance Tax.

Founder Mark Littler, who has 20 years’ experience as a valuer, started the business with his wife, Katy, a chartered financial planner. “We had to move online for valuations during lockdown,” Mark explains. “But it showed us a better way forward. We can now provide a much more affordable, streamlined service that remains fully HMRC-compliant.”

“The mistake is valuing things at what they cost, not what they would actually sell for on the open market. A sofa that cost £1,500 new last year might fetch under £100 at auction. On a taxable estate, you pay 40% on every single pound you overstate, so those mistakes add up fast.”

Survey shows 81% of families risk overpaying tax

A recent Swift Values survey revealed that as many as 81% of families risk overpaying Inheritance Tax simply because they are terrified of getting the figures wrong. To play it safe, many over-estimate the value of household possessions, unnecessarily handing over money to HMRC.

There is now more reason than ever to get these valuations right. With HMRC planning to bring pension funds into the Inheritance Tax net in April 2027, more estates than ever are falling within the tax threshold, moving beyond just the wealthiest families.

“We provide a fast, accurate, and caring service at a time when customers need it most,” says Mark. “We make the entire process easy, and it can make a massive difference to what you ultimately end up paying.”

Guaranteed HMRC-Compliant Valuations

Swift Values' reports are fully guaranteed and boast a 100% HMRC acceptance record, backed by an Excellent five-star rating on Trustpilot and Google.

• The Online Service (£119): A qualified valuer personally assesses the photographs and documentation you provide, delivering a fully compliant report within one to two days. This covers everyday household contents, vehicles, jewellery, and most antiques and is suitable for over 95% of estates.
• The In-Person Service (£298): For high-value or specialist estates, a valuer will visit and inspect the property in person. This premium service is offered UK-wide.

What their customers say:

“This is simply an outstanding service and it really couldn't have been easier to navigate. The helpful videos explained exactly what to do and the online form was extremely straightforward to complete.” – Susan, Trustpilot

“They made the process efficient, effective, fast and very good value. The team was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive when I rang them to discuss, plus they provide a video to show how to take photos of rooms/ contents.” – Lizzy, Trustpilot

Find out more

Discover the pitfalls many fall into and how to avoid them at www.swiftvalues.co.uk.

Get in touch for expert probate valuation advice here.