In 2023, the average cost of a funeral in the UK rose to £4,141, marking a significant 4.7% increase from the previous year. We provide a breakdown of essential funeral expenses, including:
- Cremation or burial fees
- Funeral director services
- Limousine hire
- Costs of mid-range coffins
- Fees for medical practitioners
- Charges for ministers or celebrants
Burial ceremonies remain the most expensive funerary rites in the UK, with an average expenditure of £5,077, showing a 5.9% increase from the previous year. Conversely, cremation costs saw a 3.3% increase, averaging £3,795, while direct cremations experienced a slight decrease of 0.9%, now averaging £1,498. Additionally, the 2024 report introduces a new inclusion: direct burials, with an average cost of £1,657.
In 2023, cremations comprised 53%, burials 27%, and direct cremations 20% of total funerals.
Regional Disparities and Total Cost of Dying
Despite a slight decrease, London remains the most expensive area for funerals, averaging £5,171. However, most regions in the UK saw an increase in average funeral costs, except for London, North West England, and Northern Ireland. Notably, Northern Ireland emerges as the most affordable region, with an average funeral cost of £3,256.
In addition to funeral expenses, the comprehensive cost of dying in the UK reached £9,658 in 2024. This total includes funeral costs (£4,141), professional fees (£2,749), and send-off fees (e.g., memorials, flowers, catering) (£2,768), showing a 5% increase from the previous year.
Financing Funerals: Trends and Insights
While 70% of individuals make provisions to cover their funeral expenses, only 54% allocate sufficient funds to cover the entire cost. On average, families need to find nearly £2,716 to bridge the financial gap, resorting to various financing options:
- 35% use savings or investments
- 25% rely on credit card payments
- 25% borrow from friends or relatives
- 18% liquidate assets
- 16% opt for installment payments to funeral directors
- 14% seek loans from financial institutions
- 12% explore subsidies from government or local authorities
- 3% resort to crowdfunding
The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis
The cost-of-living crisis has visibly affected funeral arrangements and financing, affecting over 44% of respondents.
Placing a Deceased Estates Notice: A Crucial Step
For executors managing claims against the estate, placing a deceased estates notice in The Gazette is vital. This notice informs potential creditors of the deceased’s estate, protecting executors from personal liability.
How to Place a Deceased Estates Notice
To place a deceased estates notice, ensure you have necessary documentation like a grant of probate, letter of administration, or death certificate. Create an account on The Gazette’s platform, select desired services, complete the required form, and submit the notice for publication.
Once published, creditors have 2 months and 1 day to assert their claims against the estate.
Here at DIY Probate, we understand the heavy burden losing a loved one is. Please contact our team today to book a consultation and download our DIY Probate form today.
Are you looking for help completing the IHT400 form or IHT205? Give DIY Probate a call on 0116 2795044, and we’ll gladly help.