When thinking about funeral planning, many people focus on the service or whether they want to be buried or cremated. But what happens if you or a family member has bought a burial plot that is no longer needed?

At The Farewell Guide, we help you make confident decisions about your funeral, and record and share your wishes with family and friends. That includes your preferences for burial, cremation, and what to do if things change.

If you are unsure about what to do with an unused burial plot, here is what you need to know.

What You Actually Own

When you buy a cemetery plot in the UK, you are not buying the land itself. Instead, you are buying what is called the Exclusive Right of Burial (ERoB) for a set number of years, usually between 25 and 100. The land remains the property of the council or private cemetery owner.

The right allows you to decide who can be buried in the plot and what memorials can be placed there.

Can a Burial Plot Be Sold?

In some cases, yes. But it depends entirely on the rules of the cemetery.

Some cemetery authorities allow you to transfer or sell your burial rights. Others do not. You may also be asked to pay an administrative fee and provide original paperwork such as the deed of grant. The process can vary widely, so it is best to contact the cemetery directly.

Why You Might Want to Sell a Plot

There are several reasons why a burial plot might go unused:

• You or your family have moved away

• You have decided on cremation instead

• You inherited a plot but do not plan to use it

Whatever the reason, it helps to make your intentions clear in advance. With The Farewell Guide, you can record whether you have a burial plot, where it is, and what should happen if it is no longer needed.

What If You Cannot Sell It?

If resale is not allowed, there may still be options:

• Transferring the plot to a family member

• Donating it to a local charity or religious group

• Allowing the cemetery to reclaim it, sometimes with a partial refund

Always check with the cemetery authority to understand what they allow.

How The Farewell Guide Helps

We do not sell or compare burial plots, but we do help you make and share a clear funeral plan. Our online tool lets you:

• Record whether you want to be buried or cremated

• Note if you already have a plot and where it is

• Leave guidance for your family if your wishes or circumstances change

• Compare funeral directors in your area so you can choose the right one for your needs

• Share your plan securely with loved ones so they are not left with difficult decisions

Final Thoughts

Burial plot rules in the UK can be complicated, especially when it comes to resale. But with good planning, you can avoid confusion later and make sure your family knows exactly what to do.

At The Farewell Guide, we are here to help you plan clearly, calmly, and in your own time.