Not every "bona vacantia" asset gets sold. If the property has liabilities like contamination, high repair costs, negative value the Crown can disclaim it under Companies Act 2006. Once disclaimed: 1.) Crown is released from responsibility 2.) Property becomes ownerless again 3.) It can sometimes be claimed via court by adjoining owners or successors Disclaimed assets are among the longest-hidden ones....and can be very interesting for determined buyers if they can prove to the Crown they can solve problems, and eliminate blight. The system is designed around protecting the tax payer.

Posted by Adam Robinson at 2026-02-07 12:03:13 UTC