Escheat

Escheat is a complex doctrine of common law by which freehold property may revert to the Crown.

Each year, this aspect of our legal system impacts many hundreds of properties, necessitating specialist legal advice.

Our Real Estate team has unique expertise in both bona vacantia and escheat law. We are The Crown Estate’s sole legal adviser in the administration of freehold property that may be subject to escheat.

We investigate and administer new and accumulated escheat cases, with the primary goal of protecting The Crown Estate from risk and facilitating, where appropriate, the return of such properties to private ownership.

Our clients range from government agencies to professional and public bodies. We also provide guidance to other solicitors and members of the public requiring expert advice in this area.