One in four over 55s have never discussed inheritance, new research suggests.
The research by YouGov for wealth management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods highlights a persistent reluctance among over-55s in the UK to discuss inheritance, alongside significant gaps in understanding of inheritance tax rules and estate planning.
Inheritance remains one of the UK’s most avoided financial conversations with a quarter (25%) of over-55s saying they have never openly discussed inheritance with their family. This number goes up to 35% among 45-54-year-olds.
Awareness of key inheritance tax rules remains limited among over-55s, with 15% are aware of the nil rate band and residence nil rate band allowances. Only 35% of respondents understand that pensions could potentially become subject to inheritance tax from 6 April 2027.
By contrast, a large majority of over 55s (83%) recognise the importance of having a valid will, and 61% are aware of the seven-year gifting rule.
Amit Joshi, managing director of wealth at Mattioli Woods, said: “The reluctance to talk about inheritance is understandable, but it can leave families unprepared at a time when clarity matters most. When these conversations are delayed, important financial and emotional decisions are often left until moments of stress or urgency, when it is harder to reflect clearly or act in a coordinated way.
“That can create uncertainty around intentions, increase the risk of disputes, and lead to avoidable delays in administering estates.”
The survey of 2,174 UK adults between 1-2 June 2026 also revealed regional differences when it came to willingness to discuss inheritance.
London leads the way for those avoiding inheritance conversations (44%), followed by the North West (37%) and Scotland (36%). Yorkshire, Wales, the South West and the South East each record 34%.
One Response
Avoidance is understandable, but it’s also costly.
When families delay these conversations, intentions become unclear, decisions are made under pressure, and avoidable tax exposure creeps in. The data reinforces what we see every day: clients don’t just need a will… they need a strategy.