Can you transfer a mortgage to a family member?

Key takeaways

• You can transfer a mortgage to a family member through a formal transfer of equity, but the incoming borrower must pass affordability and credit checks.
• Expect to pay a lender change-of-borrower fee (£150–£300) plus legal costs of roughly £300–£1,000.
• Stamp Duty may be due if the new borrower takes on more than £125,000 of mortgage debt. See what you could pay using our Stamp Duty calculator.
• Alternatives like an Income Boost could let you add a family member to the mortgage without adding them to the property deeds.
• Always seek independent legal and financial advice before proceeding, as transfers can have tax and affordability implications.

Can a family member take over the mortgage?

Yes, most lenders will allow a relative to replace or join an existing borrower through a formal transfer of equity, which would involve:

• Lender checks: The incoming family member must pass affordability and credit checks.
• Legal work: A solicitor or conveyancer drafts the new deed and registers the change with HM Land Registry.
• Fees: Expect a lender change-of-borrower fee (£150-£300) plus legal costs of roughly £300-£1,000.
• Stamp Duty: SDLT may be due if the new borrower takes on more than £125,000 of mortgage debt. See what you could pay using our Stamp Duty calculator.

It is possible to add a family member or friend to the mortgage without adding them to the property itself, thanks to a joint borrower sole proprietor mortgage. This is known as an Income Boost, which is discussed in more detail later in this guide.

Alternatively, you could add a family member to your mortgage or let them take over the mortgage completely, while also passing ownership of the property over to them.

How to transfer ownership of a house to a family member

To transfer the legal ownership of a property (with or without the mortgage), you’ll need to go through a formal legal process called a transfer of equity. This includes:

1. Getting consent from your mortgage lender (if there's still a mortgage on the property)
2. Working with a solicitor or conveyancer to draft and register the transfer of ownership
3. Paying any applicable fees, legal costs, or taxes, such as Stamp Duty or capital gains tax

A transfer of equity can be useful in the following situations:

• The breakdown of a relationship. If you are separating from your partner or spouse, they may wish to divide up your assets, including your home.
• A new relationship. If you bought a house by yourself but you're now in a serious relationship or married, a transfer of equity could add your partner or spouse to the deeds.
• Buying out the equity of a joint owner. If you have a joint mortgage with friends or family, a transfer of equity will allow you to buy them out. We talk about this in more detail in our How to buy someone out of a house guide.

For tax purposes. Transferring equity to your children or other family members can be a tax-efficient way to manage your estate, but you must speak to a financial advisor before pursuing this option.

Learn more: The essential guide to buying a house together

Is Stamp Duty due when transferring property to family?

In some cases, yes, you may need to pay Stamp Duty when you transfer a property to a family member. Stamp Duty may be due if the value of the transfer is over the current threshold of £125,000 for second-time buyers. You won't have to pay Stamp Duty if the transfer is due to a divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership. That said, Stamp Duty may be payable if a parent transfers a property to their child.

Learn more: Can I add someone to my mortgage?

Alternatives to transferring a mortgage to a family member

If you are struggling to afford your mortgage payments or are unable to remortgage due to strict affordability criteria, transferring a mortgage (or the entire property) to a relative could be one way to keep the home in the family.

If this isn't an option or doesn't make financial sense for your situation, we can help you explore other ways for family members to support each other in buying a home or staying in their existing one.

Income Boost

Income Boost lets homeowners or homebuyers add a family member to the mortgage, without adding them to the property itself. It's a popular option among first-time buyers struggling to afford a home suitable for their needs, but it can also be useful for homeowners who are struggling with their repayments or wish to borrow more money against their existing home. As of January 2025, average mortgage rates for joint borrower arrangements remain competitive, making this an attractive option for families looking to pool resources.

Deposit Boost

With Deposit Boost, we can release some of the money tied up in your property and use the funds as a deposit for a family member. It's a particularly popular option for first-time buyers who are struggling to buy their own home, but have homeowning parents who wish to help. A Deposit Boost can help to unlock better mortgage rates or lower your Loan-to-Value (LTV).