Every day, we walk past homes in our neighbourhoods. Occasionally, one stands out not for its charm, but for its neglect. You might pause and wonder: What happened here? Across the UK, there are over 260,000 long-term empty properties. Many of these houses fall into disrepair, becoming hotspots for infestations and eyesores for the community. They pose real challenges for local councils and frustration for neighbours. But what happens when the owner of such a property passes away without leaving a will? What if there’s no known next of kin?
When There’s No Next of Kin
In some cases, property owners die intestate (without a will) and with no next of kin. Under the laws of intestacy, this leaves the estate unclaimed, and the property can remain neglected for years.
Why Homes Are Left Empty
There’s no single reason why properties end up neglected, but some of the most common causes include:
- No Will in place: Without a legal will, the distribution of assets and possessions is governed by intestacy laws. This may not reflect the deceased’s personal wishes and can cause delays.
- Estrangement from Family and Friends: Loss of contact with close relatives or friends, often resulting in the absence of estate planning or funeral arrangements. The responsibility for managing the deceased’s estate typically falls to local authorities.
- Relatives Abroad: Family living overseas may lose touch or find it difficult to deal with estates from different countries.
- Multiple Properties: Owners with additional properties may leave one unoccupied for extended periods.
The Impact Of Empty Properties
Each empty property represents a lost opportunity for families needing a home. This neglect affects not only the building itself but also the surrounding community. Empty homes can:
- Create health and safety risks
- Attract pests and antisocial behaviour
- Cause stress and frustration for residents
Assisting The Public Sector
Councils are often left to deal with the consequences, from organising public health funerals to addressing the safety risks of neglected homes. These tasks can become a time-consuming process, making it difficult to locate the next of kin. That’s why Blanchards assist in tracing next of kin for estates for the public sector.
When Blanchards Step In
Finding next of kin is more than an inheritance. It’s about restoring dignity to the deceased, helping families reconnect lost connections and bringing empty properties back into use.
Blanchards specialise in tracing missing next of kin, reconnecting families and support local councils in resolving unclaimed estates. Our partnership with Probate Property Services, assists with probate property tasks such as house clearance, property management, valuation and ultimately sale and distribution. Working together towards bringing homes back to life. Please contact us if you wish to report an empty property.
