What happens when a city runs out of room for its dead | Alison Killing

TL;DR

This content discusses the overlooked investment potential in burial plots in the UK and explores the lack of regulation and design surrounding death in cities.

Transcript

So, I have an overlooked but potentially lucrative investment opportunity for you. Over the past 10 years in the UK, the return on burial plots has outperformed the UK property market by a ratio of around three to one. There are private cemeteries being set up with plots for sale to investors, and they start at around 3,900 pounds. And they're proj... Read More

Key Insights

• 🏛️ The return on burial plots in the UK has outperformed the property market by a ratio of around three to one, making it a potentially lucrative investment opportunity.
• 🏢 Death and burial are important parts of our cities, as shown by an interactive map of London that reveals the amount of real estate dedicated to death.
• 🏥 The UK is running out of burial space, especially in major cities, due to population growth, limited availability of existing cemeteries, and development pressures.
• 📜 Traditionally, cemeteries have been managed by private and religious organizations, with no legal obligation for anyone in the UK to provide burial space.
• 💼 Profit from cemeteries is challenging due to the high cost of maintaining burial plots, leading to them typically being run by the council or not-for-profit groups.
• 🗺️ It is relatively easy to start a cemetery on private land in the UK, as there is minimal regulation and only a few formal requirements.
• 💰 However, building a cemetery may cause a decrease in property value and can be met with opposition from neighbors.
• ⚰️ There is a lack of conversation and planning around death and burial in the UK, with only a small percentage having discussed their wishes regarding death. Both individuals and the government have not adequately addressed the integration of death into cities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the return on burial plots in the UK compared to the property market over the past 10 years?

The return on burial plots in the UK has outperformed the UK property market by a ratio of around three to one over the past 10 years.

Q: What is the starting price for burial plots in private cemeteries in the UK?

Burial plots in private cemeteries in the UK start at around £3,900.

Q: What is the projected growth rate for burial plots in private cemeteries in the UK?

Burial plots in private cemeteries in the UK are projected to achieve about 40 percent growth.

Q: Why is the burial plot market considered a potentially lucrative investment opportunity?

The burial plot market is considered potentially lucrative because there is continuous demand for burial space due to population growth and the limited availability of burial space in major cities.

Q: What factors have contributed to the shortage of burial space in the UK, especially in major cities?

The shortage of burial space in the UK, especially in major cities, is attributed to population growth, the fact that existing cemeteries are almost full, and development pressure from the desire to use land for housing, offices, or shops.

Q: Who traditionally takes care of cemeteries in the UK?

Traditionally, cemeteries in the UK have been taken care of by private and religious organizations, such as churches, mosques, and synagogues, rather than by the local authority.

Q: Are there any legal regulations or requirements for establishing a small cemetery on private land in the UK?

In the UK, there are almost no regulations regarding burial on private land, except for the requirement of not polluting water sources. As a result, individuals can technically establish mini-cemeteries, even in their own backyards, without needing permission or meeting specific size requirements.

Q: What are some of the reasons why people avoid discussing their wishes around death?

Some reasons people avoid discussing their wishes around death include the belief that their death is far off, the fear of making others uncomfortable by bringing up the topic, and the assumption that others, such as the government or funeral directors, will take care of these matters.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Burial plots in the UK have outperformed the property market, with projected 40% growth, presenting a potentially lucrative investment opportunity.

• The UK is running out of burial space, especially in major cities, due to population growth and development pressure, leading to alternative solutions such as reusing graves or burying people four deep.

• There is little regulation or requirement to start a cemetery in the UK, allowing individuals to create their own mini-cemeteries, but it may negatively impact property value and can cause discomfort among neighbors.