Cost of burial UK [2026]
Complete guide to burial costs in the United Kingdom
Cost of burial UK [2026]
Complete guide to burial costs in the United Kingdom
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The average cost of a burial funeral in the UK is £5,077, making it more expensive than cremation which averages £3,795.
Burial costs have risen significantly over recent years, with several factors contributing to the higher expense compared to cremation:
- Burial plot lease fees (Exclusive Right of Burial)
- Interment fees (the actual burial process)
- Memorial headstone or grave marker
- Ongoing grave maintenance
- Higher funeral director fees for burial services
Optional burial costs are for the additional elements of a funeral that aren't essential but tend to be included for a send-off.
These costs contribute to the total cost of dying in the UK which is £9,658.
The table below shows how much people spent on average in 2023 on the optional extras for a burial funeral:
Optional Burial Extras Average Costs
| Optional Extras | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Memorial | £1,037 |
| Catering | £476 |
| Additional limousine hire | £402 |
| Venue hire | £347 |
| Flowers | £220 |
| Order sheets | £111 |
| Funeral notice | £93 |
| Death notice | £81 |
| TOTAL AVERAGE | £2,768 |
Other optional costs you may need to consider when arranging a burial include:
- Embalming
- Live music for the ceremony or wake
- Fee to assemble the memorial
- Memorial maintenance (repairs, resurfacing etc)
With an over 50s plan, you could leave a cash lump sum to your family to contribute towards your funeral costs when the time comes.
The pay out can be up to £20,000 (depending on your personal circumstances) which is enough to help cover basic funeral costs as well as optional extras to personalise your final farewell.
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Get Free Over 50s Life Insurance Quotes »The average cost of a burial funeral varies significantly from region to region in the UK.
Find out the average cost of burial in your area from the table below:
Average Burial Costs by UK Region
| Region | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| London | £8,083 |
| South East & East of England | £5,754 |
| East and West Midlands | £5,580 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £5,068 |
| Scotland | £4,810 |
As you can see, London has significantly higher burial costs compared to other regions, with costs nearly £3,000 more than Scotland on average.
As mentioned, burial plots in the UK are leased for a set period of time (usually between 50 - 100 years), rather than sold permanently.
The lease is called an 'Exclusive Right of Burial'. It ensures that multiple family members can use the burial plot (depending on its depth) and no-one else can be buried there during that time.
For a burial funeral, you also need to pay a separate 'interment fee' which is the cost of the burial itself.
In the table below you'll find some example prices of the Exclusive Right of Burial and burial fee for a local resident at council run cemeteries in the UK:
Cemetery Burial Fees by Location
| Cemetery | Exclusive Right of Burial | Interment Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Preston City Council | £1,115 (75 years) | £634 |
| Horsham District Council | £1,570 (100 years) | £757 |
| Folkstone & Hythe Council | £815.60 (75 years) | £832 |
| Newcastle City Council | £977 (50 years) | £1,075 |
| Plymouth City Council | £1,440 (50 years) | £935 |
| Richmond Council | £2,697 (50 years) | £1,791 |
As you can see, prices vary significantly depending on the location of the burial.
If you're having a cremation and wish to bury the ashes in an existing grave, then this service can cost from around £100 in the UK.
Additionally, you must own the lease of the existing grave (Exclusive Right of Burial) for the ashes to be buried there.
The table below shows some example prices for interring cremated remains in council run cemeteries across the UK.
Bear in mind, these prices are for interment of ashes only, and don't include the fee for the cremation itself or any other costs involved when arranging a cremation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is burial more expensive than cremation?
Burial is more expensive primarily due to the costs of the burial plot lease and ongoing maintenance. You need to pay for the Exclusive Right of Burial (typically £800-£2,700 for 50-100 years), interment fees, and often a memorial headstone. These costs don't apply to cremation.
Can you reuse a burial plot?
Yes, if you own the Exclusive Right of Burial, you can use the plot for multiple family members depending on its depth. However, you cannot bury someone else in a plot unless you own the rights to it.
What happens when a burial plot lease expires?
When the lease expires (typically 50-100 years), the cemetery may contact relatives to renew the lease. If no one renews it, the cemetery may reuse the plot after a certain period, though practices vary by location.
How can I cover burial costs?
Over 50s life insurance is specifically designed to help cover funeral costs including burial. With guaranteed acceptance and cover up to £20,000, you can ensure your family isn't left with the financial burden. Alternatively, you could use a funeral plan or savings.
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Don't leave your family with the burden of burial costs. LifePro can assist you in comparing over 50s life insurance quotes from leading UK providers. With guaranteed acceptance, no medical questions, and cover from just 20p-a-day, securing funeral cover has never been easier.