Lawyers have identified the surnames and regions in the UK with the highest number of unclaimed estates worth close to £1.5billion
Every year, a significant number of estates remain unclaimed. As of February 2026, there are more than 5,000 unclaimed estates scattered across the UK.
Given that the average price of a property in the UK is £270,259 and there are 5,472 such properties, the total estimated value of these unclaimed estates is nearly £1.5 billion.
Private wealth solicitors at UK law firm Weightmans have delved into the surnames and regions in the UK with the highest number of unclaimed estates and what you need to do to ensure your estate doesn’t suffer the same fate.
Richard Bate from 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.
“By taking proactive steps in estate planning and utilising available resources, individuals can significantly reduce the chances of their estates becoming unclaimed. 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.”
The most common surname on the unclaimed estates list
Data from the unclaimed estates list shows that particular surnames crop up repeatedly, indicating these names are widespread in the population or may have greater instances of unclaimed estates. Smith is the most prevalent surname, appearing 94 times, followed by Jones, Brown, Williams and Taylor.
Smith 94
Jones 55
Brown 45
Williams 35
Taylor 29
Wilson 27
Davies 26
Johnson 26
Thomas 24
Harris 21
How to ensure your estate is claimed
Weightmans stated that drafting a will was the most effective method to guarantee your estate is distributed in line with your wishes and to the people or organisations you value most. This is particularly vital if you have limited or no surviving relatives, as without a will, your estate could potentially go unclaimed and pass to state ownership.
Within your will, you have the freedom to specify exactly who should receive your assets. These people or organisations are referred to as the beneficiaries of your will.
It’s worth noting that beneficiaries don’t have to be family members; you’re entitled to include friends, life partners, charities, or other organisations you wish to support. You can customise inheritance in your will with remarkable precision: you might opt to bequeath specific items or fixed amounts to certain beneficiaries, or you could decide to distribute percentages of your estate’s overall value to different parties. This flexibility enables you to recognise and provide for the people and causes that matter to you in significant ways.
By ensuring your will is professionally drafted, you can eliminate any confusion about your intentions. A clear, legally robust will removes uncertainty for your loved ones and streamlines the estate administration process, guaranteeing that your final wishes are respected exactly as you intended.
Therefore, not only does a well-prepared will safeguard your legacy, but it also offers peace of mind to those you leave behind, knowing they are honouring your wishes without room for doubt or legal dispute.
The UK regions with the highest number of unclaimed estates
Weightmans revealed that London topped the list of unclaimed estates in England, with 1,612 properties still awaiting heirs in the capital, reflecting its substantial population density over many years. Surrey follows in second place, with 283 estates remaining untouched, whilst the West Midlands ranks third with 253.
These unclaimed estates could equate to a significant amount of money for those who are entitled to them, with some remaining unsettled for many years. Indeed, the oldest estate on the list goes back to 1974, underlining the necessity of having your affairs in order and informing your loved ones about your estate plans.
London 1612
Surrey 283
West Midlands 253
West Yorkshire 245
Wales 221
Essex 216
Kent 204
Middlesex 198
Hampshire 152
East Sussex 136
Hertfordshire 118
Devon 103
Bristol 81
West Sussex 78
Nottinghamshire 76
South Yorkshire 76
Leicestershire 73
Staffordshire 70
Berkshire 63
Dorset 63
Somerset 61
Gloucestershire 60
More than half of the top 20 areas are located in the south of the country, indicating a regional imbalance where potentially wealthier southern counties have more unclaimed estates than their northern counterparts.
Methodology
Data was sourced from government statistics on unclaimed estates as of mid-February 2026. Average house prices were obtained from Rightmove.
Each county was assigned to a region that corresponded to the updated area list, due to some areas changing since the unclaimed estate was recorded; for instance, Middlesex was amalgamated with London. For the regional totals, unknown areas and areas outside of the UK were excluded from the results but were included in the overall figures.
