What is a transfer of equity?
A plain-English explanation of the legal term for changing who owns a property.
The short answer
A transfer of equity is when the ownership of a property changes but the property is not sold on the open market. Someone is added, removed, or shares are changed.
Common examples
Adding a partner, removing an ex-partner, transferring to a child, or moving from sole to joint ownership.
What it is not
It is not a sale to a new buyer, and it does not change the mortgage by itself. Any mortgage change must be arranged with your lender.
Common questions
Is a transfer of equity the same as selling a property?
No. A transfer of equity changes who owns the property without a sale on the open market — for example adding a partner, removing an ex-partner or transferring to a child.
Does a transfer of equity change the mortgage?
Not by itself. The register records ownership, while the loan stays as it is until your lender agrees to a change. Lender consent is one of the main reasons mortgaged cases are referred to a solicitor.
Do I need a solicitor for a transfer of equity?
Not for a simple change with no mortgage, no payment and everyone in agreement. If any of those apply, a solicitor is the right choice — our free “Do I need a solicitor?” check takes about a minute.
This guide is general information about England and Wales, not legal or tax advice. We prepare and submit paperwork; mortgaged or complex cases are referred to a regulated solicitor.
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