There are many reasons why you might be thinking about transferring equity. Depending on your individual circumstances, one or all parties involved will need to appoint a solicitor to manage the complexities of the process and avoid future conflict of interest.
A Transfer of Equity is when the owner of a property or land adds or removes one or more other people to or from the title deeds (the documents that show the chain of ownership). While there’s no sale and at least one of the original owners will stay the same, the legal process allows for changing names on the title deeds to reflect the new ownership arrangement.
Why might you transfer equity?
- If your partner moves in with you, you may wish to transfer the property into the names of both parties
- If you separate or divorce, you’re likely to have to divide your assets
- Buying out the equity of a joint owner: this is becoming more common as friends and family pool resources to get on the property ladder
- Tax planning: property owners may transfer equity to their children or other family members to manage their tax liabilities
Even during happier circumstances for transferring equity, the process can be complex, involving Land Registry applications and Stamp Duty Land Tax forms. If mortgage companies are involved, the process can be complicated further still.
Our team will take care of the whole process, including:
- reviewing the title deeds and preparing the transfer deed documents
- arranging for you to sign the transfer deed in the presence of a witness
- notifying any mortgage or secured lenders, banks or building societies (who must give their written consent)
- registering the deed transfer at the Land Registry (who charge a fee ranging from £50 to £920, depending on the property or land’s value)
Every Transfer of Equity is unique. That’s why we’ll take the time to understand your needs and objectives, to help you make informed decisions about the way in which you own your property.
