Transfer of Equity

A transfer of equity is when a party is either added to a mortgage or removed from it. There are many scenarios where this may occur, but perhaps the most common and familiar involves marriage or divorce.

In the case of marriage, one partner might own a property and have a mortgage on it. When they marry, they wish to add their new husband or wife to the mortgage. This would be a transfer of equity from the original owner to their new partner.

In the case of divorce, the property would be jointly owned by the couple seeking a divorce. A transfer of equity would see ownership of the property transferred to one half of the couple. The person retaining the property ownership would typically buy out the other person’s part of the home.

The process is easier to complete if there is no loan taken out on the property. If no mortgage exists, there is no question of whether the person remaining in the property can afford to meet the mortgage payments each month. Problems can occur that make the situation more complex if affordability comes into it.

Similarly, a transfer of equity can be done with anyone you wish. If you own your property at present and wish to add a sibling or child as a co-owner, certain taxes such as Capital Gains Tax could come into play. It is always important to seek professional advice from a solicitor with experience in the transfer of equity process, so you can see where you stand before you begin.

About the author:

The Mortgage Broker

The Mortgage Broker is an award-winning UK mortgage and protection specialist with decades of experience helping thousands of customers secure suitable and affordable mortgage solutions. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all advisers are minimum CeMAP-qualified and known for delivering clear, transparent, and expert guidance whether helping first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients or those with complex or adverse-credit needs. Recognised as a finalist at the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2025, The Mortgage Broker combines digital speed with human trust, offering access to over 130 lenders and more than 25,000 products. The company’s app, secure client portal and easy-to-use tools make it simple for customers to compare rates, track progress, and stay informed from start to finish. With more than 2,500 verified five-star Trustpilot reviews, clients consistently praise the firm’s professionalism, value for money, and personal service. Reviews highlight the team’s ability to explain complex mortgage and protection topics in plain English, providing support throughout the entire journey. The company’s reputation for knowledge, empathy, and reliability has made it one of the UK’s most trusted brokers, delivering advice that is honest, transparent, and tailored to each individual’s financial goals. Every part of The Mortgage Broker’s service reflects Google’s E-E-A-T principles: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Its team has decades of hands-on industry knowledge, proven technical expertise, and national recognition supported by awards, media features, and verified customer feedback. As an FCA-regulated firm with a 5-star reputation, The Mortgage Broker stands for no-nonsense advice, common-sense lending, and exceptional customer outcomes — setting the standard for trusted mortgage advice across the UK.