More than 5,000 estates lie unclaimed in UK – check if you’re entitled to one | Personal Finance | Finance

Thousands of estates across the UK are currently lying unclaimed, totalling an estimated value of nearly £1.5billion.

Records show that as many as 5,472 estates are waiting for heirs nationwide as of February 2026. Legal experts have urged families to check whether they could be entitled to inherit – and make sure their own affairs are in order to prevent their estates from suffering the same fates. Richard Bate, a private wealth lawyer at Weightmans, said: “Creating a will is more than just a legal necessity; it’s a critical component of financial wellness. Without a clear will, you’re leaving the fate of your assets up to the courts, which can lead to long, stressful disputes among your potential heirs.”

Experts at Weightmans analysed the areas with the most unclaimed estates. London tops the list with a staggering 1,612 estates still awaiting heirs.

Surrey ranks second with 283, followed by the West Midlands with 253. In total, more than half of the top 20 areas are located in the South of England, highlighting a stark regional divide.

According to Weightmans’ analysis, some of these estates have remained unresolved for decades, with the oldest dating back to 1974.

1. London – 1,612
2. Surrey – 283
3. West Midlands – 253
4. West Yorkshire – 245
5. Wales – 221
6. Essex – 216
7. Kent – 204
8. Middlesex – 198
9. Hampshire -152
10. East Sussex – 136
11. Hertfordshire – 118
12. Devon – 103
13. Bristol – 81
14. West Sussex – 78
15. Nottinghamshire – 76
16. South Yorkshire – 76
17. Leicestershire – 73
18. Staffordshire – 70
19. Berkshire – 63
20. Dorset – 63
21. Somerset – 61
22. Gloucestershire – 60.

Estates in London that haven’t been claimed could be worth over £1billion, according to Weightmans’ estimates.

With the average house price in the Capital around £656,000, according to selling figures on Rightmove, unclaimed estates in the area could amount to £1,188,550,980 when joined together with the figures of London and Middlesex.

That figure is 151% higher than the second-ranked region, the South East, where unclaimed estates are estimated at £473million.

Even in regions with lower property prices, the unclaimed estate figures estimated by Weightmans remain significant. The North East, despite having one of the smallest totals, could still hold more than £25million in unclaimed estates.

More than half of Britons do not have a will, according to the National Wills Report.

London and the South West are among the areas with the highest proportion of adults without a will at 57%.

When someone dies without a valid will and without known next of kin, their estate can become “bona vacantia,” meaning it is ownerless and may eventually be handed over to the state.

Before that happens, heirs have the opportunity to come forward, and many don’t realise they could be entitled. If you want to check if you could be entitled to a long-lost estate, visit www.unclaimed-estates.org.uk.

Mr Bate said: “By taking proactive steps in estate planning and utilising available resources, individuals can significantly reduce the chances of their estates becoming unclaimed.”

He added: “Ensuring that your final wishes are clearly documented and legally protected not only secures your legacy but also eases the burden on your loved ones during a challenging time.”

Weightmans recommended the following four tips to protect your estate.