UK updates guidelines on unclaimed land, buildings

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The UK government has published revised guidelines for dealing with certain land, buildings and property interests that become bona vacantia, including updated indicative charges for property valuations.

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The Bona Vacantia Division on Monday announced the revisions on its website, covering its “Refer Bona Vacantia Land or Buildings (BVC2)” and “Apply to buy a Freehold Reversion (BVC4)” guidelines.

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The division said the changes were made to reflect increases in the indicative charges associated with District Valuer fees where a valuation is required.

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According to the notice, the revised guidelines incorporate “increases in the indicative charges relating to the District Valuer fees” in cases where a valuation is required for land or buildings, or for a freehold or leasehold reversion.

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Bona vacantia refers to property that has no legal owner.

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In England and Wales, certain ownerless property can pass to the Crown and is administered through the Bona Vacantia Division.

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PUNCH Online in a 2025 report noted that many Nigerians and other nationals who died intestate (without a will) risk their asset forfeited if they remain unclaimed by a legal next of kin over a certain period of time.

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The revised BVC2 guidance concerns the process for referring land or buildings that may be bona vacantia, while BVC4 relates to applications to buy a freehold reversion.

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According to the release, the Home Office notice did not announce a change to the underlying rules on what constitutes bona vacantia.

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Rather, it specifically stated that the “guidelines had been revised to incorporate the increased indicative District Valuer charges.”

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The updated guidance is intended for “people dealing with land, buildings, freehold reversions or leasehold reversions that fall within the Bona Vacantia Division’s remit.”

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