Almost half of homeowners (47%) described themselves as “just getting by” financially, yet their estimated estates are well above the current Inheritance Tax (IT) threshold.
New research by high-interest savings platform Flagstone shows that of 2,000 UK owners aged 45+ surveyed had average estimated estates worth £410,252, well above the IT £325,000 threshold.
Of those surveyed, 38% had estates estimated at £500,000 or more, while 13% placed their estates above £1 million.
Despite this, 53% of women and 40% of men said they could “get by but have little money left over”.
Nearly a third of women (30%) had estates worth more than £500,000, yet only one in 10 had calculated their IT exposure.
Katie Horne, savings expert at Flagstone, said: “Taking a step back and looking at your estate as a whole can be an important first step, especially when so much of the value is spread across several assets. That can make it difficult to build a clear picture of how much your estate is worth, or how close it may be to the Inheritance Tax threshold.
“With tax changes coming into effect from April 2027, having a clearer understanding is only going to become more important. Simple tools like Inheritance Tax calculators can help build an initial picture. For those with more complex estates, or where there’s any uncertainty, speaking to a financial adviser can help bring the full picture into focus.”
One Response
It’s a reminder that strategic asset protection isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s essential for anyone who wants clarity, control and a legacy that’s actually preserved.
Proper planning turns uncertainty into intention. When estates quietly creep past IHT limits, the families left behind pay the price. Taking stock, structuring assets, and planning early is no longer optional it’s responsible stewardship.
A legacy shouldn’t be accidental. It should be protected.