The Rise of "Heir Hunters" in the UK Heritage Sector
In recent days, the world of genealogy has found itself in the national spotlight. A major feature in The Times has shed light on the growing demand for “inheritance hunters” — genealogists who track down heirs to unclaimed estates when someone dies without a will. And here’s the kicker: there are currently over 5,800 unclaimed estates in the UK, many of them worth six figures or more.
As a professional genealogist, I’ve seen firsthand how family history research can lead to unexpected discoveries — but few are as potentially life-changing as finding out you’re heir to a forgotten fortune.
What Are Inheritance Hunters?
When someone in the UK dies intestate (without a will) and no next of kin is immediately known, their estate is passed to the Bona Vacantia Division of the government. This Latin term means “ownerless goods.” The division holds the assets while genealogical professionals — known as probate researchers or inheritance hunters — trace rightful heirs.
Firms like Finders International (you might know them from the BBC’s Heir Hunters) and Blanchards play a leading role in this work. Their job is to reconstruct the deceased person’s family tree using historical records, electoral rolls, DNA evidence, and local archives. If they locate a legitimate heir, they can help that person claim their share — typically in return for a commission of about 10% of the estate.
Why Is This Suddenly Big News?
There are two key reasons this topic has surged in public interest:
Property prices are soaring.
Even modest estates — a small flat in London, for example — can now exceed £500,000 in value. This makes locating beneficiaries highly lucrative work for genealogists and life-changing for the inheritor.The scale of unclaimed estates is growing.
According to The Times, more than £65 million has been distributed to heirs over the past five years. Last year alone, over £9 million was successfully claimed by relatives — sometimes distant ones like second cousins once removed.
Real-Life Stories: How Genealogy Changed Lives
Take the story of Shirley Anne Attewell, who was traced as a relative of a deceased man she’d never met. After confirming the family connection, she received a substantial inheritance. Or Conchita Boothman, who inherited over £200,000 after genealogists proved her claim to a distant relative’s estate.
These cases are real reminders that your family tree could hold more than just names — it might hold opportunity.
How to Check If You Might Be an Heir
Here’s how to see if your family name appears on the Bona Vacantia list:
Step 1: Visit the official list
🔗 Unclaimed Estates List
Search by surname — the list updates daily.
Step 2: Compare with your tree
If a surname or location matches someone in your family history, it might be worth investigating further.
Step 3: Consult a professional genealogist
At All About Ancestors, we offer affordable consultations to help you:
Determine possible family links
Build the documentation needed to support a claim
Guide you through the probate process
Should You Work With an Inheritance Hunter?
Most probate research firms work on commission — meaning they only get paid if you receive something. That’s fair, but be sure to:
Ask about their fee upfront (typically 10–25%)
Check whether they’re members of recognised industry bodies like the International Association of Professional Probate Researchers (IAPPR)
If you already know of a potential estate and want help tracing your link before signing anything, an independent genealogist (like me!) can often provide impartial support for a lower fee.
Final Thoughts
The headlines this week remind us how deeply genealogy connects the past to the present — and sometimes, the future. Whether it’s discovering an ancestor who braved the Titanic, or being named heir to a stranger’s estate, every branch of your family tree holds the potential for something unexpected.
If you’re curious about whether your ancestors left behind more than just stories, now might be the perfect time to explore it.
Want help tracing your family or investigating a potential inheritance? Click here to get in touch.
Author: Nicola Johnson
Professional Genealogist & Founder, All About Ancestors
