The term ‘transfer of equity’ can be misleading. This is because it involves the transfer of both the legal title of the property and its beneficial (or equitable) title. A transfer of equity occurs where the ownership of a property changes, but at least one of the original owners remains on the title.
There are many reasons why people choose to undertake a transfer of equity. Some of the more common are:
- Marriage or co-habitation: when people decide to live together, they often transfer the property into their joint names and, if needed, onto whatever existing mortgage there may be over the property;
- Divorce or separation: when a couple divorces or separate, property is typically transferred, sometimes with compensation or under a court order. One of the areas that distinguishes Bishop & Sewell, is that its property team works in close partnership with its family law team. Should you be in the unfortunate situation of losing your property through a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership, our solicitors can offer expertise in property issues arising from relationship breakdown;
- Buying a co-owner out: co-owners may wish to buy out another owner, or to be bought out of the property. This normally involves some form of financial consideration changing hands; and
- Estate or tax planning: property owners may decide to transfer their property to their children or other family members to manage their Inheritance Tax liabilities. Bishop & Sewell’s private client team is able to advise clients regarding the best way to structure their assets and how to limit their estate’s overall tax liability.
Bishop & Sewell has an unparalleled reputation, established over nearly 40 years, as one of London’s leading residential property practices. This reputation has come from an in-depth understanding of property law, coupled with a talent for communicating the key aspects to our clients in an accessible way.
We have a national reputation and hold the Law Society’s conveyancing quality scheme accreditation.
Contact our Transfers Of Equity Team
For initial advice, a quotation or to arrange a meeting with one of our conveyancing solicitors, please contact us on 020 7631 4141 and ask for a member of the residential team. Alternatively, please use our enquiry form above or email us at mail@bishopandsewell.co.uk.
