Changing who owns your home
Transfer of Equity Solicitors in Kent
A transfer of equity adds someone to, or removes someone from, the legal ownership of your home without selling it. Common after marriage, separation or for family reasons, it usually takes 4 to 8 weeks and costs typically £300 to £600 + VAT in legal fees.
- SRA or CLC-regulated firms only
- Fixed fees, with no-sale-no-fee options
- Free to use, no obligation
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Transfer of equity at a glance
What’s involved
What does a transfer of equity involve?
Your solicitor changes the names on the title at HM Land Registry. They will:
- Check the current title and any mortgage
- Get your lender’s consent, or deal with a remortgage
- Prepare the transfer deed
- Work out whether any stamp duty is due
- Register the change with HM Land Registry
Everyone involved needs ID checks, and sometimes independent advice, particularly when someone is coming off the title.
Step by step
Transfer of equity, step by step
The usual stages.
- 1
Instruct your solicitor
Tell them who is joining or leaving the title and why.
- 2
ID checks
Everyone involved confirms their identity.
- 3
Lender consent
If there is a mortgage, your lender must agree, or you remortgage.
- 4
Transfer deed
Your solicitor prepares the deed for everyone to sign.
- 5
Stamp duty check
Your solicitor confirms whether any is due.
- 6
Registration
The change is registered with HM Land Registry.
Timeline
How long does a transfer of equity take?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks; lender approval is the main variable.
- Instruct
- ID checks
- Lender
- Deed
- Sign
- Register
Costs
What a transfer of equity costs
A fixed legal fee plus a few disbursements.
| Cost | Typical amount | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Legal fee | £300–£600 + VAT | The solicitor’s own work |
| Land Registry fee | Depends on value | HM Land Registry scale fee |
| ID checks | £10–£25 | Per person |
| Stamp Duty Land Tax | Sometimes due | If mortgage debt passes to someone new |
Local knowledge
When people use a transfer of equity
Common reasons Kent homeowners change the names on their title.
Marriage or moving in
Adding a partner to the title of a home you already own.
Separation or divorce
Removing a former partner, often alongside a remortgage.
Family arrangements
Adding a child or relative, for example to help with the mortgage.
Remortgaging
Changing names at the same time as switching lender.
Independent advice
Anyone giving up their share may need separate legal advice.
Stamp duty
Can apply if someone takes on part of the mortgage.
Avoiding delays
Common delays and how to avoid them
Most hold-ups are avoidable with a little preparation.
Be prepared
Documents you’ll need
Have these ready when you instruct your solicitor.
- Photo ID for everyone involved
- Proof of address
- Mortgage lender and account details
- Details of the new owner
- Court order, if relevant
- Remortgage offer, if relevant
Related services
Related services
Transfer of equity in a Kent town
CanterburyHerne BayWhitstableMargateRamsgateBroadstairsAshfordMaidstoneAll Kent towns →
What is a transfer of equity?
A change to who legally owns a property, adding or removing a person, without selling the property.
Do I need my lender’s permission?
Yes, if there is a mortgage. The lender must agree to the change, or you may need to remortgage.
Is stamp duty payable on a transfer of equity?
Sometimes. It can apply if the person joining takes on part of the mortgage debt and the amount is above the threshold. Your solicitor will check.
How much does a transfer of equity cost?
Legal fees typically run from £300 to £600 + VAT, plus the Land Registry fee and ID checks.
How long does it take?
Usually 4 to 8 weeks. Lender approval is the main variable.
Reviewed by [Solicitor name], [Role], Boys & Maughan (SRA no. 801857) · Last updated September 2026
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