Transfer of equity

Transfer of equity, explained

A transfer of equity changes who legally owns a property without selling it. Here’s how it works and what to check.

  1. 01

    What transfer of equity means

    What happens here?

    It changes the names on the legal title. Someone is added, removed, or ownership shares change.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • The property isn’t sold
    • The Land Registry record is updated at the end
  2. 02

    Adding someone

    What happens here?

    Common when a partner moves in or you want to share ownership with family.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Your lender must agree
    • They may need to join the mortgage too
    Properfy can help withMortgages
  3. 03

    Removing someone

    What happens here?

    Often part of a separation. The person staying usually needs to show they can afford the mortgage alone.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • The lender decides whether to release them
    • You may need a new mortgage
    Properfy can help withMortgages
  4. 04

    Family transfers

    What happens here?

    Gifting a share to a child or relative can have tax consequences.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Get tax advice before you start
    • Everyone should understand what they’re agreeing to
    Properfy can help withConveyancing
  5. 05

    Mortgage implications

    What happens here?

    If there’s a mortgage, the lender has to approve the change. Sometimes a remortgage is the simplest route.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Talk to a broker early
    • Check for early repayment charges
    Properfy can help withMortgages
  6. 06

    Stamp Duty considerations

    What happens here?

    Stamp Duty can be due if someone takes on part of the mortgage or pays money. Some situations, such as certain separations, can be exempt.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Your solicitor will check this
    • Rules differ in Scotland and Wales
    Properfy can help withConveyancing
  7. 07

    Legal work and ID

    What happens here?

    Your solicitor prepares the transfer deed and checks ID for everyone involved.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Everyone on the deed needs ID checks
    • Some people may need independent legal advice
    Properfy can help withConveyancing
  8. 08

    Land Registry

    What happens here?

    Once signed, your solicitor registers the change and the title shows the new owners.

    What should you be thinking about?

    • Registration can take several weeks
    • You’ll get a copy of the updated title
    Properfy can help withConveyancing

Common questions

Solicitor or conveyancer: what’s the difference?Both can handle your move. How much does conveyancing cost?Conveyancing costs are the firm’s legal fee plus disbursements: costs paid to others, such as searches and Land Registry fees.

Tell us about your move

Buying, selling, remortgaging or simply not sure where to start? Tell us what you’re trying to do and we’ll help you work out what you need.