The UK Crown Nominee has published the Bona Vacantia accounts for 2025-26, revealing a 15% increase in unclaimed assets since the previous year. The organisation holds unclaimed assets worth around £1.2 billion, which includes property, shares, and other financial assets.
The Bona Vacantia accounts are a vital source of information for individuals who may be due an inheritance or property. The Crown Nominee's role is to manage these unclaimed assets on behalf of the Treasury. The organisation works to reunite these assets with their rightful owners, but the process can be complex and time-consuming.
According to the Bona Vacantia accounts, the majority of unclaimed assets are due to individuals who have passed away without leaving a valid will or beneficiaries. In some cases, assets may be unclaimed because the owner has moved abroad or is unable to be contacted.
The UK Government has taken steps to simplify the process of claiming inheritances, including introducing a new online system for individuals to search for unclaimed assets. However, many people are still unaware of the existence of the Bona Vacantia accounts and the potential benefits of claiming their inheritances.
The Labour Party has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of unclaimed assets, suggesting that the Crown Nominee's role should be subject to regular audits and reviews. The Liberal Democrats have also expressed concerns about the complexity of the claims process and the need for greater support for individuals seeking to reclaim their inheritances.
What this means for you: If you are due an inheritance or property, it is essential to check the Bona Vacantia accounts to see if you are listed. The UK Crown Nominee's website provides a simple online search tool to help individuals locate their unclaimed assets.