While the image of a person writing a will often involves someone in their later years, a shifting legal landscape and the rise of digital property are prompting more young adults in the UK to document their final wishes.
As the UK marks Remember A Charity Week, running from 7 to 13 September 2026, data suggests a notable rise in will-writing among Millennials and Generation Z. Recent figures indicate that 27% of adults aged 18 to 34 now have a will, a significant increase from 18% in 2019.
Despite this trend, the majority of the UK population remains unprepared. Approximately 67% of UK adults do not have an up-to-date will as of September 2026, leaving their estates subject to the strict and often surprising rules of intestacy.
The ‘Digital Ghost’ and the 2025 Act
For younger generations, the motivation to write a will often stems from a modern concern: digital assets. Under the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, digital holdings such as cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and even certain social media accounts are formally recognised as personal property.
Before this legislation, the legal status of digital wealth was often ambiguous, making it difficult for families to access or inherit accounts after a death. By naming a “digital executor” in a will, young people can ensure their online presence is managed, and their financial digital assets are transferred to the correct people rather than being lost in the cloud.
The risk for cohabiting couples
Another primary driver for young adults is the legal reality of cohabitation. Many young couples in the UK live together without being married or in a civil partnership, often under the mistaken belief that they have “common law” rights.
Under current UK intestacy rules, if a person dies without a will, their cohabiting partner has no automatic right to inherit anything from the estate. This applies regardless of how long the couple lived together or whether they have children. Without a will, assets typically pass to children, parents, or siblings, potentially leaving a surviving partner with no claim to a shared home or joint savings.
How to write a will in 2026
For those looking to formalise their wishes, several options are available depending on the complexity of their estate:
- Online Will Services: In September 2026, basic online services typically cost between £60 and £150. These are often suitable for individuals with straightforward assets.
- Solicitor-Drafted Wills: These are often suitable for those with complex digital assets, foreign property, or specific trust requirements.
- Charitable Schemes: Campaigns such as Will Aid, which opened for 2026 appointments in early September, allow people to have a solicitor-drafted will in exchange for a donation to charity.
Writing a will is no longer seen as a task for the end of life, but rather a standard part of financial management for any adult with a bank account, a smartphone, or a partner. As the 2025 Act continues to shape how we view property, the “digital legacy” is becoming as significant as the physical one.