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If someone dies without a will or known family, their ownerless property (bona vacantia) goes to the crown - check if you're an entitled relative, search for an estate, refer or claim on an estate

• Overview

  When someone dies with no will or known family, their property passes to…

• Who to contact

  The Government Legal Department handles bona vacantia in England and Wales…

• Check if you're an entitled relative

  You need to know if you’re entitled before making a claim on an estate.…

• Make a claim on an estate

  If you think you’re entitled to an estate in England and Wales (but not…

• Refer an estate

  If you know someone who has died with no will or known blood relatives,…

• Grants from a deceased person's estate

  You can apply for a grant from a deceased person’s estate if you could…

If you already have the right or have probate (as an executor or administrator) you can start dealing with the estate. You may need to apply for the right to deal with the estate of the person who's died (also...

• Overview

  As a personal representative (an executor or administrator) you’re legally…

• Settling debts and taxes

  You must pay any debts and settle the taxes for the person who died. This…

• Managing and selling assets

  You may have to pay taxes for the estate if there is any new income while…

• Reporting an estate’s income to HMRC

  You may need to send information to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about…

• Distributing the estate

  Once you have paid any debts and taxes, or you are sure the estate has…

When you have to pay Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty or Inheritance Tax on money, shares or property you inherit

• Overview

  You do not usually owe any tax on an inheritance at the time you inherit…

• Money and shares

  You do not usually have to pay Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax immediately…

• Property

  You do not pay Stamp Duty, Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax immediately if…

• Joint property, shares and bank accounts

  You do not usually have to pay any Stamp Duty or tax when you inherit…

Find out how to apply to be a UK Real Estate Investment Trust if you're a company or group of companies who invests in properties.

• Updated: 23 September 2022

Find out who is entitled to a share of someone’s property, possessions and money if they die without making a will

Form ST3: Statement of truth in support of an application for registration of land based upon lost or destroyed deeds.

This guide sets out essential information for British nationals wanting to buy property in Egypt.

• Updated: 9 January 2020

Find out what Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) is and what costs and buildings qualify for it.

• Updated: 29 August 2023

Advice for British people buying property in Turkey, including information on legal advice, fraud, residence requirements and more.

• Updated: 15 February 2024

Claim compensation and legal costs on behalf of someone registered with an Infected Blood Compensation Scheme or an Alliance House Organisation Scheme before 17 April 2024 who has died.