One in eight people in the UK anticipate leaving £500,000 or more in their will to beneficiaries, new data reveals. Meanwhile the average amount those with a will expect to pass on is £260,000.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults carried out by Co-Op Legal Services and released in alignment with the Remember a Charity campaign this week also found that more than £100 million of charitable gifts were pledged through wills last year.
Data from the organisation found that last year there was a 5% increase in the number of UK adults leaving charitable gifts in their wills in comparison to 2024.
The estimated value of charitable pledges made in wills written through Co-op in 2025 reached around £102.1 million, an increase on the £95.8 million recorded the previous year.
Among the highest categories of chosen charities people pledged gifts to were cancer charities, followed by other health-related charities and emergency rescue organisations.
James Antoniou, head of legal practice at Co-op Legal Services, said: “Leaving a gift to charity in a Will is a powerful way to create a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to you.
“It’s encouraging to see both the number and value of charitable gifts in wills continuing to grow, showing that people are increasingly conscious of the difference they can make for future generations.
“What’s particularly striking is the variety of gifts being left behind. From treasured collections to unique personal possessions, these donations often tell a story about an individual’s passions, interests and values, while providing important support to charities across the UK.”
The findings not only highlight the “enduring generosity of people” but also reveal the “significant wealth” that many Brits plan to bequeath, Co-Op Legal Services said.
Lucinda Frostick, director of Remember A Charity, said: “These figures are a powerful reminder of just how philanthropic the nation is, even in such challenging times.
“Remembering good causes alongside our loved ones in a will has become such a vital and deeply valued form of giving.
“And behind every legacy gift is a story and a desire to make a positive difference to the communities and causes that have touched people’s lives.”
