UK updates guidelines on unclaimed land, buildings

The UK government has revised its guidelines concerning the administration of bona vacantia, which refers to ownerless property that can pass to the Crown in England and Wales. The Bona Vacantia Division updated its "Refer Bona Vacantia Land or Buildings (BVC2)" and "Apply to buy a Freehold Reversion (BVC4)" guidelines on its website.

The revisions primarily address increases in the indicative charges associated with District Valuer fees when a property valuation is required. These updated charges apply to cases involving land, buildings, or freehold or leasehold reversions falling under the division's remit.

The Home Office notice clarified that the underlying rules defining bona vacantia have not changed. The update solely incorporates the increased indicative District Valuer charges, aiming to reflect current valuation costs. The guidance is intended for individuals and entities dealing with such ownerless property interests.

This update follows a PUNCH Online report in 2025 highlighting that many individuals, including Nigerians and other nationals, who die intestate risk their assets being forfeited if not claimed by a legal next of kin within a specified period. The revised guidelines aim to streamline the process for referring potential bona vacantia cases and for applying to purchase a freehold reversion.