Transfer of equity
Changing whose name is on the deeds
Marriage, separation, gifting a share, buying a partner out — life changes, and sometimes the deeds need to catch up. A transfer of equity does exactly that, and we make it painless.
What a transfer of equity is
A transfer of equity changes who legally owns a property — adding someone to the title, removing someone, or adjusting the shares — without selling the property itself. Common reasons include marriage or moving in together, divorce or separation, gifting a share to a family member, or tax planning.
It sounds simple, and often it is — but there are traps for the unwary: mortgage lender consent, Stamp Duty that can apply even when no money changes hands, and getting the new ownership structure right (joint tenants or tenants in common — we'll explain the difference in one minute flat).
We handle the whole thing for a fixed fee: the legal paperwork, lender consent where there's a mortgage, any Stamp Duty forms, and registration at HM Land Registry.
What's included
Our fixed-fee transfer of equity service covers:
- Advice on the right way to hold the property going forward
- Checking the title and preparing the transfer deed
- Obtaining your mortgage lender's consent (where applicable)
- Advising on any Stamp Duty Land Tax due and filing the return
- Independent advice requirements flagged early, not at the last minute
- Registration of the new ownership at HM Land Registry
- Certified copies of the updated title for your records
What happens when
How a transfer works
Tell us the plan
Who's being added or removed, whether there's a mortgage, and whether any money is changing hands. The calculator prices it instantly.
Paperwork & consent
We prepare the transfer deed, deal with your lender's consent if there's a mortgage, and advise anyone who needs independent advice.
Everyone signs
All parties sign the deed — we make the signing requirements crystal clear so nothing bounces back.
Registration
We file any Stamp Duty return, register the change at HM Land Registry, and confirm when the new title is issued.
Good questions
Things people ask us
Is Stamp Duty payable on a transfer of equity?+
Sometimes, and it catches people out. If the person taking on a share also takes on part of a mortgage, or pays money for their share, SDLT can be due on that 'consideration'. We'll work out whether it applies to you and handle the return if it does.
There's a mortgage on the property. Is that a problem?+
Not a problem, just a step: your lender must consent to the change before we can register it, because it affects who's responsible for the loan. We handle that application as part of the fixed fee.
How long does a transfer of equity take?+
Without a mortgage, often two to four weeks. With lender consent involved, allow four to six — lenders move at their own pace, but we chase.
Do both parties need their own solicitor?+
Not always, but where interests conflict — a separation, for instance — the person giving up a share may need independent advice. We'll tell you straight away if that applies, so there are no surprises later.
Let's start your move
Ready to get moving?
Get a clear, itemised quote in about a minute — no obligation, no chasing, no surprises.