Readers’ forum: Inheritance involvement

A close friend of mine died recently. She was an elderly lady who had lived in her house for many years her husband having died about 20 years ago. Originally she was able to take care of herself but with advancing years and increasing frailty about 15 years ago her daughter and her husband came to live with her to look after her and the house. I am not sure of the exact arrangements but they have spent money on the property including adding an extension as well as installing new double glazing making other improvements and carrying out work themselves.

As I understand matters the house has been left to the daughter and the estate is being dealt with. I understand that some estate agents have valued the house and it seems there is potentially an inheritance tax liability. The daughter mentioned this to...