Why Every Homeowner Needs a Valid Will

Around half of UK Homeowners Don’t Have A Valid Will

For many people, writing a Will is one of those tasks that is easy to put off. It forces us to think about what will happen when we are no longer here, which can be uncomfortable. There’s also a common misconception that making a Will is complicated or expensive, which only adds to the delay.

Unfortunately, life is unpredictable. Without a valid Will, you leave behind not only grief but also unnecessary stress and complications for your loved ones.

Shocking statistics about Wills in the UK

In January 2025, the Money & Pensions Service, a government-linked body, released worrying figures about the take-up of Wills in the UK. They found that 56% of all UK adults do not have a valid Will, and surprisingly, even 22% of people over the age of 65 still have not written one.

Many people justify not making a Will by believing they don’t own anything of real value. But for most of us, our property is the single most valuable asset we will ever own — yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to planning for the future.

Why Wills are vital for homeowners

In today’s housing market, the average age of first-time buyers continues to rise. While some people write a Will early in life, many forget to update it once they purchase a home. This oversight can create serious problems later on.

Without a valid Will, your property doesn’t automatically pass to your children or chosen beneficiaries. Instead, the distribution is decided under the Rules of Intestacy, which may benefit relatives you never intended to inherit from your estate. At the very least, this can cause delays and disputes, adding distress to an already difficult time.

Protecting your family home

It is easy to assume that your home will naturally pass to your loved ones, but unless this is formally set out in a valid Will, that may not be the case. Without clear instructions, your property could be subject to claims from family members you did not intend to benefit. This leaves your loved ones vulnerable at the very time when they need security the most.

A Will reflects your wishes — and must be kept up to date

A valid Will does more than just allocate assets. It’s your chance to make sure that your property, money, and possessions are distributed exactly as you want them to be. As circumstances in life change — whether that’s buying a house, getting married, having children, or separating — your Will should be updated to reflect your current wishes.

Your property, in particular, is likely to increase in value over time. What may seem straightforward today could be far more complex in the future, so having a clear, updated Will ensures your family is protected and avoids unnecessary conflict.

Final thoughts

Making a Will is not about dwelling on the end of life — it’s about giving peace of mind to yourself and your loved ones. By protecting your property and making sure your wishes are respected, you can prevent confusion, disputes, and hardship for your family.

At Viva Planning, we help homeowners ensure their Wills are valid, up to date, and reflective of their real intentions. Don’t leave your biggest asset unprotected.