Do I Need a Will if I Don’t Own a House?

Let’s clear something up straight away: you don’t need to own a house to need a Will.

It’s a common assumption, over half of UK adults don’t have a Will, often because they think they don’t have “enough stuff” to make it worth doing. But writing a Will isn’t just about who gets the keys to your house. It’s about making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after.

Why Having a Will Is Important

A Will is a legal document that says what should happen to your money, belongings, pets, and even your digital assets (like social media accounts or online banking) when you die. It’s also where you can name guardians for your children and make funeral wishes.

Even if you don’t own a property, you might have:

• Savings or a pension
• A car or sentimental items
• Life insurance
• Children or dependents
• Pets
• Debt that someone might need to deal with

Without a Will, you don’t get to decide where those things go or who takes care of them.

What About Guardians for My Children?

One of the most important reasons to have a Will, especially if you’re a parent, is to name legal guardians for your children. If something happens to you before they turn 18 and there’s no Will in place, the courts decide who looks after them. That might not be the person you would’ve chosen. By writing a Will, you get to decide who will raise your children, giving you peace of mind and giving your loved ones clear guidance during an already emotional time. 

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a Will (known as dying intestate), the law decides who inherits what, and it might not be who you’d choose.

For example:

• Unmarried partners don’t automatically inherit anything, even if you’ve been together for decades.
• Friends, stepchildren, or charities you care about won’t receive anything unless you’ve written it down.
• Sorting things out can take longer and be more stressful for the people left behind.
  

Put simply, no Will = no say.

How to Get Started (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need to be rich, old, or a legal expert to make a Will. These days, it’s easier than ever.

You can:

• Use a Will-writing service like us
• Write a Will online (just make sure it’s legally valid)
• Review and update it whenever life changes, like getting married, having kids, or starting a business

Prices vary, but peace of mind doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Your Will isn’t really for you, it’s a gift to the people you leave behind. It makes life easier at a time that’s already hard.

So even if you don’t own a house, if you have people you care about (or even just a few things you’d like to pass on), it’s worth getting a Will in place. It’s one of those things that feels good to tick off the list. We’re here to help you. Find out more about our Will service, drop us an email or get in touch.