The LEAP Estates' 2026 Private Client industry report is now live

I am pleased to announce the publication of the 2026 Private Client Industry Report, published by LEAP Estates – the first report of its kind grounded entirely in live, aggregated behavioural data from across the private client market.

The data-led view allows private client practitioners and firms to better understand where the sector is headed in 2026 and beyond, as, for too long, our sector has relied on commentary, anecdote and partial datasets. While those perspectives have value, they do not always reflect what clients are doing when they sit down to put plans in place.

This report changes that.

Built on aggregated, anonymised data drawn from the LEAP, LEAP Estates and Willsuite platforms, the report captures private client activity across England and Wales during the 2025 reporting year. The dataset includes:

• 242,895 wills

• 176,277 lasting powers of attorney

• 87,833 wills containing trusts

By analysing real-life observed behaviours, the report shows what individuals are putting in place when engaging with estate planning, giving us a clearer, more accurate indication of how social, economic and legal shifts will shape the industry in 2026.

Why the private client industry needs this report now

Private client practice is no longer operating in a stable or predictable environment. In my many years working as a private client practitioner, I have experienced firsthand the impact of socio-economic and demographic changes on the profession. Private client firms are seeing longer lifespans, more complex family structures, evolving regulatory frameworks and growing tax sensitivity. Simultaneously, client expectations are changing, as estate planning is increasingly viewed not as a one-off administrative task but as part of a long-term asset management and protection strategy.

Without robust, sector-wide insight, it is difficult for firms to adapt with confidence, which is why it was fundamental for LEAP and LEAP Estates to use the incredible wealth of data we have available in our systems to provide clarity, highlighting four structural trends already reshaping the market:

Demographic shifts in demand

The data presented in the report shows that engagement with estate planning is strongly age-driven but not confined to old age. The demand for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) begins rising at age 35–44, while will drafting accelerates from the mid-40s onwards. For practitioners, this presents a clear opportunity to engage clients earlier in their planning journey and to position estate planning as a longer-term strategy rather than a final-life decision.

The impact of longevity on trust planning

One of the most striking findings in the report is the sharp rise in the prevalence of trusts from midlife onwards. As life expectancy increases and more individuals experience periods of reduced capacity, estate planning is extending beyond inheritance to long-term asset stewardship. Trust expertise is no longer optional in private client practice, as clients are seeking control, flexibility and protection over longer time horizons.

The rise of blended families and exclusions

These reports’ findings reflect the structural changes taking place across UK households. Longer lives, later partnerships and second relationships increase the risk of competing inheritance expectations. Trust planning and carefully documented exclusions are increasingly used as preventive measures to reduce disputes. Practitioners should treat complex family dynamics as the norm rather than the exception.

Regulatory updates calling for change

The Law Commission’s May 2025 proposals to modernise wills law signal potential reform on a scale. At the same time, forthcoming changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief will alter how estates containing business and agricultural assets are structured and reviewed. Although change may appear incremental, firms that remain informed and adaptable will be best placed to deliver resilient, future-proof estate planning.

Each of these areas carries strategic implications for private client practitioners in 2026 and beyond, and we delve into the details and implications for private client firms within the complementary industry report.

Private client: A growing market

The UK wills, probate and trusts market is presenting continued growth driven by demographic and legislative complexity. This report provides the data-led insight needed to navigate that environment with confidence.

The message is clear: demand is increasing, complexity is deepening, and the strategic importance of private client work is rising.

If you want a detailed breakdown of the data, deeper analysis of the trends shaping 2026, and practical insight into what this means for your private client practice, I encourage you to download the full report today.

Download the 2026 Private Client Industry Report to access all the insights.

About the author

A recognised Private Client and Trusts specialist with over a decade of experience, Andy Hitchon was previously a Partner at Rothera Bray LLP and also led the Wills & Estates department at Bray & Bray prior to its merger with Rotheras. As Head of Estates at LEAP Legal Software, Andy leverages his deep knowledge of estate administration, trusts, and tax planning to help firms modernise their private client practices through smarter technology.