Valuing books for probate

Any books that have considerable value, perhaps because they are antique or rare, like a particular first edition, must be included in an estate being valued for probate if they were owned by the deceased or if the deceased had a financial interest in them.

We can value a whole library of books if it’s necessary!

The valuation will be carried out by an expert who is experienced in this field, evaluating each book based on relevant catalogue auction prices or selling prices. 

This process will ensure that our valuation for market value and viable selling price is realistic, and that it complies with HMRC guidelines.

Any books bequeathed in the deceased’s will will be valued and itemised separately.

We can arrange for valuable books to go to auction if you would like, and we can rehome non-valuable books by donating them to charities and non-profit organisations.

Some people ask us if their family bible is likely to be valuable. As there are many bibles in circulation, bibles dated before 1800 can be valuable, but generally only bibles dated pre-1650 tend to be worth a significant amount of money.