By Asiya Ali
What would happen if somebody bought the Osbournes’ estate with Ozzy buried in the yard
Following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, fans have been mourning the Black Sabbath frontman’s loss with tributes pouring in from around the globe.
But as the legendary rocker was laid to rest on his family’s 250-acre Buckinghamshire estate, a question has emerged: what happens if someone buys the property with Osbourne buried in the backyard?
What happens if someone buys the property with Ozzy buried in the backyard? Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty
Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at age 76, had long made it known he wanted to be buried at home.
In his 2010 autobiography, I Am Ozzy, he wrote: “Don’t cremate me, whatever you do. I want to be put in the ground, in a nice garden somewhere, with a tree planted over my head.”
“A crabapple tree, preferably – so that the kids can make wine out of me and get p***ed out of their heads,” he continued. “As for what they’ll put on my headstone, I ain’t under any illusions. If I close my eyes, I can already see it. Ozzy Osbourne, born 1948. Died, whenever. He bit the head off a bat.”
The Prince of Darkness’ wish was fulfilled on July 30. Following an emotional public procession through his hometown of Birmingham, Osbourne was buried at a private ceremony on his estate near Gerrards Cross.
According to the Evening Standard, a source said he was laid to rest “at a beautiful point on the lake.” Nearby are bat boxes he had installed in 2022, a subtle nod to the infamous bat-biting incident that cemented his place in rock lore.
The funeral was intimate but star-studded. Around 110 close friends and family members gathered under tents, with tributes from punk artist Yungblud and appearances by music legends like Elton John, James Hetfield, Marilyn Manson, Corey Taylor, Rob Zombie, and longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde.
A stage was erected for performances and speeches. According to a family friend, “As well as tears, there was laughter.”
The late star’s daughter, Kelly, shared an unapologetically bold tribute on Instagram: a photo of the same floral arrangement seen in the funeral procession – purple flowers spelling out “Ozzy F****** Osbourne.”
It sat beside the lake where her father now rests. She also posted a touching video clip from The Osbournes, where Ozzy tells Sharon: “All you gotta worry about is getting through today.”
Daughter Kelly’s unique tribute to her father. Credit: Instagram/kellyosbourne
But now, questions are being asked about what would happen if Sharon, 72, or the Osbourne family ever decided to sell the estate – and what that would mean for the ‘Crazy Train’ star’s grave.
Under UK law, burying a loved one on private land is legal with proper permissions, but it comes with long-term complications.
A government website states that if the land is sold, the new owner has no obligation to allow the family to visit the grave or maintain it. “You would not be able to gain access to the burial place if you sold the property/land to someone else and you would not be able to continue to pay your respects to your loved one. This could cause a lot of heartache and upset.”
Forsters law firm adds that, in some cases, there may be visitation rights tied to the land title, but these can be forgotten or overlooked over time. “It is essential to check whether someone could come onto your property and on what terms,” they note.
While there’s no indication the Osbournes plan to leave their longtime home – a place Osbourne once called his “sanctuary from the spotlight” – the logistics surrounding a private burial are very real.
Fans have continued to lay flowers at the gates of the estate since the burial, with security ensuring privacy for the family.
Sharon, who wore Osbourne’s ring on a chain during the Birmingham procession, was visibly emotional as fans chanted his name. She was accompanied by her children, Jack, Kelly, and Aimee, who also laid black-wrapped flowers at Black Sabbath Bridge.
