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Chattels

Also known as: Personal Chattels, Personal Belongings, Movable Property

Definition

Chattels are your personal belongings—tangible movable property you can physically touch and move, such as furniture, jewellery, vehicles, books, and household items, but not money, investments, or business assets.

Understanding chattels is crucial when making a will because items like family heirlooms and jewellery often have enormous sentimental value, making clear instructions essential for preventing family disputes.

What Does Chattels Mean?

Under UK law, chattels are defined as "tangible movable property" under the Administration of Estates Act 1925, Section 55(1)(x), as amended by the Inheritance and Trustees' Powers Act 2014. This modern definition replaced an exhaustive 1925 list that included items like carriages, horses, and stable furniture. The 2014 change simplified the definition to a principle-based approach: if you can touch it and move it, it's generally a chattel—unless it's money, used mainly for business, or held solely as investment.

Chattels include everyday possessions like furniture, kitchen appliances, clothing, books, and photographs. They also include valuable items like jewellery, artwork, antiques, and vehicles. Sarah's diamond engagement ring, family photo albums, and antique furniture are all chattels. However, chattels exclude money, bank accounts, stocks, shares, bonds, and property (land and buildings). David's shares in his company, savings account, and rental property are not chattels. The definition also excludes business items: Emma's home office laptop used mainly for her business is excluded, but her personal tablet is a chattel.

Why chattels matter in estate planning goes beyond their financial value. They form part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes and must be valued for probate. Items often have low monetary value but enormous emotional significance—a £20 photo album can cause more family conflict than a £20,000 investment portfolio. If you die without a will, your surviving spouse or civil partner receives your chattels first under intestacy rules. If your will doesn't mention chattels, they fall into your residuary estate. You can leave chattels generally ("all my chattels to my spouse"), make specific bequests ("my diamond ring to my daughter"), or write a separate letter to your executors listing who gets what—though this letter isn't legally binding, executors usually follow it.

Common Questions

"Do I need to list all my chattels individually in my will?" No, you don't need to list every item. Most people leave chattels to someone in general terms (e.g., 'all my personal chattels to my spouse'). For specific valuable items like jewellery or artwork, you can list them individually or create a separate letter to your executors stating who should receive what.

"What happens to my chattels if I don't mention them in my will?" If your will doesn't mention your chattels, they become part of your residuary estate and will be distributed to your residuary beneficiaries. If you die without a will (intestate), your chattels go to your surviving spouse or civil partner first, or follow the intestacy rules if you have no spouse.

"Are my investments and savings accounts considered chattels?" No, investments and savings are not chattels. Chattels are tangible movable property you can physically touch and move—like furniture, jewellery, or vehicles. Money, bank accounts, stocks, shares, and other investments are specifically excluded from the definition of personal chattels under UK law.

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Chattels are only items worth less than £500

Reality: Chattels can have any value—from a £2 book to a £50,000 diamond ring or £200,000 classic car. The defining feature isn't value but whether the item is tangible movable property. Valuable chattels (generally £500+) should be professionally valued for probate, but all chattels—regardless of value—are included in your estate.

Myth: If I don't mention chattels in my will, my family can just sort it out amongst themselves

Reality: If your will doesn't mention chattels, they legally become part of your residuary estate and must be distributed according to your will's residuary clause (or intestacy rules if you have no will). Your family cannot simply "sort it out"—your executors have a legal duty to distribute chattels to the correct beneficiaries, which often leads to expensive disputes over sentimental items.

  • Movable Property: The broader category that includes chattels—chattels are tangible movables, while movable property also includes intangible assets like shares and bonds.
  • Art and Collectibles: Specific high-value chattels like valuable artwork, antiques, and collectibles that often require professional valuation and special consideration in estate planning.
  • Classic Car: An example of high-value chattel—vehicles are chattels unless used mainly for business or held solely as an investment rather than personal use.
  • Jewellery: A common example of chattels with high emotional value, often specifically bequeathed in wills rather than included in general chattel gifts.
  • Personal Effects: A closely related term that overlaps significantly with personal chattels but focuses specifically on items of personal use and sentimental significance.

Need Help with Your Will?

Understanding chattels helps you make clear decisions about who receives your personal belongings. Without a will, your chattels might not go to the people you intend, and family disputes over sentimental items are common.

Create your will with confidence using WUHLD's guided platform. For just £99.99, you'll get your complete, legally binding will plus three expert guides. Preview your will free before paying anything—no credit card required.

Legal Disclaimer:

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. WUHLD is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws and guidance change and their application depends on your circumstances. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified solicitor or regulated professional. Unless stated otherwise, information relates to England and Wales.