Selling inherited gold in Pakistan from the UK

Start from the board rate for the correct karat and weight. Old family jewellery is usually 21K or 22K, and stones, enamel and solder are deducted from net weight — often more than families expect.

A buyer deducts a margin from the board rate on buy-back, and making charges paid decades ago are not recoverable. Treat the board figure as the ceiling, then get at least two written offers.

If the gold is part of an estate, the person selling needs authority. That normally means a succession certificate or letters of administration in Pakistan, and a properly attested power of attorney if you are appointing a relative to act for you.

A power of attorney executed in the UK generally needs attestation by the Pakistani High Commission before it will be accepted. Start that process early; it is the step that adds weeks.

Wholesale sarafa dealers usually pay closer to the board rate than retail showrooms, because they are buying metal rather than resale stock. Exchanging against a new purchase is often the best value of all if the family wants jewellery rather than cash.

Insist on the sale being written up: date, board rate used, karat, net weight, deductions and final amount. That receipt is what supports the money's origin when it later moves abroad.

Rupee proceeds sent abroad go through the banking channel and the bank will ask for evidence of source. A dated sale receipt plus estate documents is normally what is required.

There may be UK tax consequences on the disposal depending on your circumstances. This page is not tax advice; take advice from a UK adviser before repatriating a significant sum.