Thy Will Be Done: Your Summer Estate Planning Newsletter

As the summer season reaches its peak and many of us prepare to head off on holiday, our minds turn to relaxation and quality time with family. It is also one of the most opportune moments to make sure your affairs are in order. Here is a round up of the most important estate planning news for British expats in Spain this summer.

Important update: changes to Inheritance Tax and your pension

We want to keep you informed of a significant change to UK tax legislation that will affect how pension funds are treated on death.

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be included in the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. Currently many pension assets fall outside an individual’s estate. Under the new rules they will be counted alongside your other assets, such as property and savings, when calculating any potential IHT liability.

While 2027 may seem distant, these changes could impact your current estate planning strategy. It is worth reviewing your existing Will and wider asset distribution plan now to make sure it remains as tax efficient as possible.

What last-minute wins teach us about estate planning

England’s recent runs in major tournaments have given us plenty of nail-biting, last-second drama. It makes for legendary football, but leaving it late is a dangerous strategy when it comes to your estate.

Waiting until the last minute, often prompted by a health scare, means you lose the ability to put effective strategies in place that need time to work, such as gifting or certain trust structures. Rushing also leads to avoidable mistakes: a set and forget Will that ignores changes in tax law or family circumstances, the risks of intestacy, or missing Lasting Powers of Attorney. The best planning is done when you are calm, healthy and in control, not under the pressure of a ticking clock.

Property Trusts and the long game

Like a champion at Wimbledon, effective Property Trust management is defined by long-term preparation, high standards and the ability to navigate complex situations.

A Property Trust acts as a strategic barrier, protecting your main assets from risks such as creditors or the uncertainty of future care costs. It also lets you set the rules for how your property is used and who benefits from it, even after you are gone, reducing the likelihood of costly family disputes. Trusts are not tools to be rushed. They need a solid legal foundation and professional guidance to align with current UK tax rules and your long-term goals.

The holiday mindset: the perfect time to plan

Stepping away from the daily grind gives a rare moment of clarity, and holidays are often when you spend the most sustained time with family. That makes it the ideal opportunity to look at the big picture and make sure your estate plan reflects your current wishes.

For British expats, travelling abroad also means navigating different legal and tax jurisdictions. Knowing that your Will, Lasting Powers of Attorney and cross-border inheritance plans are up to date allows you to travel with real peace of mind. Use your time away to note any changes needed, then return home ready to put them in place.

Why registering a Lasting Power of Attorney matters

Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, parts of a robust estate plan. While a Will dictates what happens after you pass away, an LPA dictates what happens while you are still here but unable to make your own decisions.

An unregistered LPA is just paper. A registered LPA is a powerful, protective tool, ready the moment it is needed.