Time is one of the most powerful tools in estate planning – and starting earlier gives families and advisers more options
50nomics is a downloadable research report that quantifies the value of acting sooner. Combining independent economic modelling, adviser insight and consumer research, it shows how giving strategies more time to work can help families pass on more over the long term.
It also gives advisers practical tools and insights to start these conversations earlier, when they can have the greatest impact.
The scale of the opportunity
More families are being drawn into the inheritance tax (IHT) net, making estate planning one of the fastest growing advice opportunities.
Rising property & asset prices
Long-term growth in property, pensions and investments has increased over time, pushing more estates above IHT thresholds – often without any change in household income or behaviour.
Frozen IHT thresholds
IHT thresholds have remained unchanged for years and will remain so until 2030/31. This has quietly expanded the number of estates exposed to IHT.
High tax environment
Frozen allowances and higher taxes across income, dividends and capital gains have created a high tax environment, with advisers needing to assess tax efficiency more closely than ever.
Persistent inflation
The cumulative effect of persistent inflation has been significant, increasing prices of goods, services and house prices over time – accelerating IHT exposure.
Rising property & asset prices
Long-term growth in property, pensions and investments has increased over time, pushing more estates above IHT thresholds – often without any change in household income or behaviour.
Frozen IHT thresholds
IHT thresholds have remained unchanged for years and will remain so until 2030/31. This has quietly expanded the number of estates exposed to IHT.
High tax environment
Frozen allowances and higher taxes across income, dividends and capital gains have created a high tax environment, with advisers needing to assess tax efficiency more closely than ever.
Persistent inflation
The cumulative effect of persistent inflation has been significant, increasing prices of goods, services and house prices over time – accelerating IHT exposure.
April 2027
Inheritance tax is changing and the landscape is getting more complex
From April 2027, unused pension wealth will be brought into scope for inheritance tax, bringing more estates into the net.
Time Remaining
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Earlier estate planning matters more than ever
Yet many advisers find it difficult to move clients to act
We asked advisers:
What are the biggest challenges you face when trying to encourage your clients to start estate planning before it is urgently needed?
0%
say clients lack urgency
0%
face emotional resistance from clients
0%
say cost concerns create friction
0%
say complexity puts clients off
Octopus via Opinium Research surveyed 200 UK financial advisers to uncover attitudes around earlier estate planning. This survey was carried out during September 2025.
“April 2027 will be remembered as the moment the inheritance tax conversation shifted from late-life admin to a mid-life priority.
For advisers, this is a clear call to lead the conversation around earlier estate planning. The value of advice here goes beyond tax savings for clients.
It’s about giving families confidence, reducing difficult surprises, and giving IHT strategies the time they need to work - while also creating opportunities for advisers to build deeper relationships and improve client retention.”
Kristy Barr, Head of Retail, Octopus Investments
See the full picture
These insights are only a few of our headline findings.
Download the 50nomics report to explore the full data, the methodology behind the modelling, and the actions advisers can take today to support families and strengthen their own businesses.