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• Updated: 6 July 2019

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…

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

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

• Updated: 9 January 2020

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

• Updated: 15 February 2024

The renewed alliance will reinforce a responsibility to support small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders, while encouraging greener building practices.

• Updated: 2 April 2025

How to sell a home: Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), using estate agents, finding a legal professional, getting offers, transferring ownership and making complaints.

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

• Updated: 9 January 2019

Guidance from the British Embassy on buying, renting or letting property in the United Arab Emirates.

• Updated: 26 January 2020

Leasehold property - leasehold disputes, buying the freehold, service charges, lease extensions and Right to Manage