Transfer of Equity

Expert Transfer of Equity Solicitors for Adding or Removing an Owner

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Transfer of Equity at Woodstock Legal Services


A transfer of equity changes the legal ownership of your property without selling it. Whether you’re adding a partner, removing someone after a separation or gifting a share to a family member, the change needs to be handled correctly to protect your home and everyone’s interests. Woodstock Legal Services helps homeowners across England and Wales transfer ownership smoothly and securely.


Our residential property lawyers advise on adding or removing an owner, transfers between spouses and civil partners, transfers following separation, divorce or dissolution, gifts of a share in a property to family members, changes from joint tenants to tenants in common, and declarations of trust to record each owner’s share.


You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who explains the implications in plain English, liaises with your lender where there’s a mortgage, and keeps you updated throughout, so you always know where things stand.


Adding or Removing Someone From Your Property


Adding a new partner to your home after marriage or moving in together is one of the most common reasons for a transfer of equity. Equally, you may need to remove someone from the title after a relationship ends or when a co-owner wants to step away from the property.


Our property lawyers prepare and agree the transfer documents, obtain your lender’s consent where there’s a mortgage, and register the change at HM Land Registry. Where a new mortgage is needed in different names, we can handle the remortgage and transfer of equity together.


We’ll also advise on whether Stamp Duty Land Tax (or Land Transaction Tax in Wales) may apply and on how the property should be held going forward, so the transfer is completed correctly and your interests are fully protected.


Separation, Divorce & Gifts



Transfers of equity often take place at important or emotional moments, such as the end of a marriage or civil partnership, or when parents want to pass a share of a property to their children. These situations need careful, sensitive handling.


Where a transfer follows a divorce or dissolution, we work alongside your family lawyer to put the agreed or court-ordered arrangements into effect. For gifts, we explain the legal implications of giving away a share of your property and recommend that you take tax advice where it’s relevant. We also work closely with our family law and private client teams, giving you joined-up support from one firm.


Whatever the reason for the transfer, we’ll handle your matter with care, explain what it means for everyone involved and make sure the change is completed correctly.

Get in Touch With Our Transfer of Equity Team

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Transfer of Equity FAQs

  • Do I need my lender’s consent for a transfer of equity?

    Yes, if there’s a mortgage on the property. Your lender will need to approve the change in ownership. If someone is being added, the lender will usually need to assess whether they can afford the mortgage. If someone is being removed, the lender must agree to release them from the mortgage. In some cases, this means arranging a new mortgage at the same time. We’ll liaise with your lender and guide you through what’s needed.

  • Will I have to pay stamp duty on a transfer of equity?

    It depends on the circumstances. Stamp Duty Land Tax (or Land Transaction Tax in Wales) may be payable if money changes hands or someone takes on a share of the mortgage, and the value involved is above the relevant threshold. Gifts with no mortgage involved, and transfers between spouses or civil partners as part of a divorce or dissolution, are often exempt. Our lawyers will review your situation and advise you clearly before the transfer goes ahead.

  • What’s the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?

    If you own a property as joint tenants, you own it together as a whole. If one owner dies, their share passes automatically to the surviving owner. As tenants in common, each owner has a defined share that can be left to others in a will. Choosing the right option is important when adding someone to the title. We can explain the difference and help record your agreement with a declaration of trust where needed.

  • How long does a transfer of equity take?

    A straightforward transfer of equity with no mortgage can often be completed within a few weeks. Where there’s a mortgage, the timing depends on how quickly your lender approves the change, and it may take longer if a new mortgage is needed. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at the start and keep you updated as things progress.

  • Does everyone involved need their own lawyer?

    Not always. Where all the owners agree and their interests align, we can often act for everyone. If interests differ, for example in a separation, or if someone is giving up their share without receiving anything in return, it may be appropriate for them to take independent legal advice. Your lender may also require this. We’ll let you know at the outset if separate advice is needed.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our conveyancers manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. That gives your purchase or sale the time, care and attention it deserves, from first call to completion.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

CQS Accredited

Woodstock Legal Services is accredited under the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), the recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing. It reflects our commitment to high standards of client service and practice management.

Transfer of Equity Client Testimonials

Rubina Ferreira

"We had fantastic service, with smooth paperwork and great support and representation for our house sale. Rubina Ferreira was second to none! Despite delays (not from our side), we had no issues with WLS."

Charlotte Davitt

"The conveyancing of my house sell was unbeleivably fast! A real efficient business, Charlotte and her team were professional, explained things well and dealt with things smoothly throughout. Special shout out to Rachael who was exemplary throughout!"

Reviews taken from TrustPilot & Google from October 2026