More than 30 million UK adults are being urged to make a will after new research found they have yet to put one in place. A survey commissioned by Co-op revealed that 57 per cent of UK adults – the equivalent of more than 30 million people – do not currently have a will.
Lack of awareness about intestacy rules
Among those without a will, more than half (55 per cent) admitted they do not know what happens to their money, property and possessions if they die without one. The findings suggest many people are putting off making a will because they believe they are too young or do not have enough assets to make it worthwhile.
While making a will is not a legal requirement, it allows people to decide who should inherit their money, property and possessions after they die. It can also help reduce uncertainty for loved ones and ensure their wishes are clearly recorded. Wills should also be reviewed after major life events, such as getting married, getting divorced or having children.
Common reasons for not having a will
Almost one in five (18%) people without a will said they had not made one because they did not think they had much to leave behind, while one in six (17%) people aged between 35 and 44 said they believed they were too young to need one. The research also found that almost two in five adults (38%) have now made a will, up from 28 per cent in a similar Co-op survey in 2024.
Among those who already have a will, the main reason was to protect their loved ones financially (37%), followed by ensuring their estate is passed to the people they want to inherit it (34%).
Consequences of dying without a will
People who die without a will have their estate distributed according to the relevant succession laws that apply where they live in the UK, rather than their personal wishes. The rules vary between Scotland and England and Wales, meaning the people who inherit may not always be those the deceased intended to benefit.
The survey also found that people may be underestimating the value of what they could leave behind. Those who already have a will expect to pass on an average of £260,000 to their beneficiaries, while around one in eight (12 per cent) believe they will leave estates worth £500,000 or more.
Expert advice on planning ahead
Caoilionn Hurley, Managing Director of Co-op Life Services, said: "Our latest research suggests many people underestimate both what they own and the impact it could have on those they care about. From deciding how assets are passed on in your will to arranging life insurance or recording funeral wishes, most of us have more responsibility than we realise. Even if you feel too young or think you don't have much to leave, planning ahead and protecting your future is always worthwhile. Getting your life affairs in order isn't about being pessimistic; it's about being proactive, easing worry and expense for loved ones, and making sure your wishes are clear when it matters most."
