How to buy a burial plot in the UK
Are you looking to buy a burial plot in the UK? Learn how the process works and what your options are.
When a person dies, there are different options for putting their body or cremated remains to rest. Ashes can be scattered or buried. Bodies can be interred in woodland burial sites. In the UK, however, the traditional option is for remains to be buried in the grounds of a cemetery, crematorium or churchyard.
A burial plot is the piece of land where the person is buried. Typically, plots are leased rather than purchased outright. The lease gives the owner the right to bury someone in the plot for a fixed period of time.
Buying a burial plot isn't for everyone. But for many people, it gives them peace of mind. They feel comfort knowing there's a spot put aside for them and their family. It's reassuring to know, too, that the plot can be bought and paid for in advance.
Some funeral directors can help you arrange to buy a burial plot. You can also buy one directly from the cemetery owner. This could be the local authority, a place of worship or a private company.
What are the different types of burial plots?
There are two main types of burial plots: those for bodies and those for cremated remains.
Both categories can cover different numbers of people.
- Single plots are for individuals.
- Companion plots are for couples.
- Family plots are for several members of the same family.
Can you own a burial plot?
In the UK, burial plots aren't owned but leased. The plot itself is owned by the burial ground, place of worship or crematorium. You have 'exclusive right of burial' for a specific period. This is often between 50 and 100 years.
This document gives you the right to bury a person's body in that burial plot. During the lease period, no one else can be buried there.
When the lease is up, the cemetery owner will contact the next of kin. The lease can then be renewed for a fee. If it's not renewed or contact can't be made, a new grave can be dug in the burial plot.
Bodies are never removed to make room for a new burial. Plots may, however, be deepened for that purpose.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a burial plot in the UK varies dramatically. In the countryside, it could cost a few hundred pounds, whereas a burial plot in London could set you back £10,000 or more.
Another factor that can influence costs is whether the person who died lived in the area where you want them to be buried. At the time of writing, for instance, a burial plot in one of Westminster Council's cemeteries costs £2,600 for a Westminster resident. However, non-residents would pay £6,915. That's over 150% more expensive.
The overall costs cover a few different services:
- Exclusive right of burial
- Grave-digging
- Interment (the burial itself)
If you want a headstone or another grave marker, you usually have to pay for this separately.
To fully understand your options, your best bet is to speak with your local funeral director.
What is a woodland burial plot?
A woodland burial plot – sometimes known as a 'natural' burial plot – is a burial plot in an area of land put aside for green burials.
Green burials put environmental sustainability first. This means the body isn't embalmed (hygienically treated) and the body or ashes are interred in biodegradable caskets and coffins.
Woodland burial plots can be less expensive than cemetery or crematorium plots, though this depends on location. They usually give you permanent ownership rather than an exclusive right of burial.
As with traditional burial plots, costs vary dramatically. Also worth noting is that many natural burial grounds only allow small burial markers, such as wooden signs. Some don't allow burial markers at all.
Who do you buy a burial plot from?
Some funeral homes can help you buy a burial plot. However, you don't purchase it directly from the funeral home. Even if your funeral director helps, they'll buy it from the cemetery owner on your behalf. The owner is often the local council, but it could also be a place of worship (like a church) or a private company.
The prices of exclusive rights of burial often change. For this reason, the cost of the document is rarely included in a funeral plan.
Can you buy a burial plot before you die?
If you want to be buried near a loved one or loved ones, you can buy a burial plot during your lifetime.
People who have lost a partner sometimes purchase the plot next to them. This is called a 'purchased grave'.
The main advantage of a purchased grave is that your family won't have to pay for the plot when you die. On the other hand, the expense can be significant and not all cemeteries and crematoriums offer purchased graves.
Can you transfer ownership of a burial plot?
A burial plot is an asset and can be transferred and sold like any other asset. When the lessor (leaseholder) dies or decides they don't want the plot any more, the plot can be transferred to another person.
Lessors also have the right to add another owner to the lease, transfer ownership or return the lease to the council or church. In this last instance, the lessor will get some money back.
How many burial plots are there in the UK?
There's no central database or registry of burial plots in the UK. However, research from Historic England and others suggests there are somewhere between 12,000 and 20,000 cemeteries and burial grounds in England and Wales.
How do you find burial plot deeds?
If you have misplaced the exclusive right of burial, you should first contact the plot owner. This could be the local authority, cemetery or place of worship. You could also contact the funeral director who managed the most recent burial in the plot. It's also worth checking with family members.
Do you need help arranging a
funeral service and burial? Whether you want a traditional ceremony or something unique, we're here to guide you through every step. Please don't hesitate to call us on 020 8355 7876 if you need our support.
