Do you need a separate will for property abroad?

Many countries have rules that decide who inherits, and some, known as forced heirship, give children a fixed share whatever your will says. Even where your English will is recognised, the local process can be slow and expensive without the right paperwork.

In many EU countries, a British national can choose English law to govern their estate, but the choice has to be stated in the will. Local formalities, registration and tax still apply, so the details depend on the country.

Often it helps to have a separate will in the country where the property is, written by a local lawyer. The two wills then need to be coordinated so that the second does not accidentally cancel the first. Each will should say clearly which assets it covers.

UK Inheritance Tax can apply to worldwide assets of people who have lived in the UK long term, and the country where the property sits may charge its own tax. Relief for tax paid twice may be available, but the rules are complicated.

We write your English will for your UK assets, flag the overseas property and work alongside a local lawyer. We cannot advise on foreign law, so you will need a lawyer in the country concerned.