Unclaimed Estates and Abandoned Properties in Spain – Trace Heirs and Recover Assets
Have you ever wondered what happens to abandoned properties or unclaimed estates when someone passes away without a will, especially abroad?
It’s a question that’s becoming increasingly relevant as more people own second homes in Spain. In a recent discussion with Ryan Gregory and Sophie Smith from Finders International (as featured on BBC’s Heir Hunters) we explored how their team works with My Lawyer in Spain to locate heirs, recover assets, and resolve the legal complexities surrounding international inheritance cases.
Who Are Finders International?
Established in 1997, Finders International is a global leader in probate genealogy (the process of tracing missing heirs and beneficiaries when someone dies without an identified next of kin).
Their UK-based team, supported by an extensive international network, works across more than 80 countries. Whether it’s an unclaimed estate, a dormant bank account, or a forgotten villa in Spain, they specialise in reuniting assets with their rightful owners.
Sophie Smith, the firm’s Spanish specialist, manages cases across Spain and the wider Spanish-speaking world. Together with Ryan Gregory, they shared how their work often begins with very limited information – sometimes just a name and date of death – and evolves into a full-scale investigation to trace heirs and recover property.
The Growing Issue of Unclaimed Estates and Abandoned Properties
Across Spain, many homes lie empty due to owners passing away without updating their wills or leaving clear instructions. Properties may be left unattended for years becoming targets for vandalism, squatters, or legal disputes.
As Ryan explained,
“It’s a growing issue. We’re finding more cases where British property owners in Spain pass away, and the homes are left untouched because family members either don’t know the property exists or don’t understand how to handle it legally.”
Working closely with My Lawyer in Spain, Finders International helps ensure these properties are brought back into rightful ownership, supporting heirs and protecting community value.
How Heir Tracing Works
The process often starts when a death is reported with no known heirs. Using public records, local contacts and genealogical research, Finders International builds a family tree to identify potential beneficiaries.
In Spain, the process can be more complex than in the UK due to stricter privacy laws and how notaries manage wills. Unlike in the UK, Spanish wills are private documents held by a notary so only someone with a legal interest in the estate can request access.
As Sophie explained,
“Sometimes we know there’s a will in Spain, but we have to prove our client’s relationship to the deceased — providing official certificates, apostilles, and translations — before we can even see it.”
Case Studies: From Abandoned Homes to Million-Euro Estates
Finders International’s work in Spain ranges from small empty apartments to luxury villas.
One recent case involved a couple who abandoned their jointly owned home 10 years ago. The property had fallen into disrepair, with unpaid taxes and overgrown gardens. Finders located the family in the UK, helped restore the property and sold it within six months.
In another case, a British man who had retired to Portugal owned a holiday home in Spain. His nieces in the UK had no idea he’d passed away or that they were heirs to an estate worth over €2 million. Thanks to Finders International’s tracing, they were able to recover both properties and complete the inheritance process.
Common Challenges in Spanish Inheritance Cases
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Access to records: Unlike in the UK, Spanish probate records are not public.
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Language barriers: Families often struggle to communicate with notaries or local authorities.
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Debts and taxes: Abandoned homes may accumulate unpaid community fees, mortgages, or utility bills.
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Complex ownership: Many properties are jointly owned or have outdated wills.
These hurdles make expert help essential. My Lawyer in Spain’s bilingual legal team works with Finders International to resolve such challenges efficiently.
Costs and How Finders International Works
One of the biggest concerns for families is cost. Finders International never asks for payment upfront. They work on two main models:
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Fee-based: When instructed by a solicitor or estate administrator.
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Commission-based (contingency): Where Finders funds the investigation and only receives a percentage if heirs successfully inherit.
This approach allows families and solicitors to pursue cases without financial risk, making it possible to recover assets that might otherwise remain lost.
Working Together to Bring Closure
When Finders International identifies heirs, they often refer them to My Lawyer in Spain to handle inheritance formalities, property transfers and tax matters. Together, they offer a complete international probate solution, from heir tracing to asset recovery and estate administration.
As Ryan summed up:
“We’re proud to play a part in bringing forgotten assets back into families’ hands and ensuring that estates are dealt with properly, wherever they are in the world.”
If you’re aware of an empty property in Spain, or you believe a relative may have passed away leaving assets abroad, it’s worth seeking professional advice.
Finders International and My Lawyer in Spain work together to simplify international inheritance, making sure no estate is left unclaimed and no property forgotten. Contact our team for advice and assistance.
