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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…

InFocus brings together news and views from across the Government Property Agency.

• Updated: 1 August 2025

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…

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...

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

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

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

Value the estate of someone who's died so that you can get probate: work out if tax is due, check how to report the estate's value, complete the correct form.

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.