Top seven questions relating to Landmark transfer of equity

• Do I need legal representation when doing a transfer of equity where the mortgage is to remain with Landmark?
• I am considering remortgaging my apartment in Romsey does my lawyer need to be on the Landmark Conveyancing panel. The conveyancing also involves a transfer of equity.
• At what stage do I incur stamp duty chargeable for the transfer of equity in my house in my sole name which is taking place simultaneously with a switching mortgage via Landmark?
• My wife and I jointly own a buy to let. I am a higher rate tax payer. Ideally I would like to complete a transfer of equity into her name in order reduce our tax on rental income. Assuming Landmark are happy with this the legal fees are inexpensive. What are the implications when we sell? As I would no longer be on the deeds would I lose my CGT relief.
• What is the process for adding or removing names (transfer of equity) to or from my Landmark mortgage account?
• My decree absolute is through as is the consent order. Now I must deal with the transfer of equity for the property and the Landmark home loan. I have asked Landmark for the transfer of equity forms. What are my next steps?
• My current home loan is with Landmark. Can I transfer equity to someone under 18 years old?

Information that may be required from your conveyancing solicitor could ask about your Landmark Transfer of Equity

Important warnings to consider in in addition to the above Landmark transfer of equity Questions and Answers :

Tax and Legal

There may be various tax and legal implications when transferring equity for your property. You should always seek the advice of a solicitor on the Landmark conveyancing panel and accountant before transferring equity.

Transfer of Equity Conveyancing for Leasehold properties

If your property is leasehold, the lease may have a requirement for notices to be served and that you obtain the consent of the landlord. If such conditions are not complied with you may be in violation of your covenants under the lease. This could potentially result in the freeholder taking enforcement action against you.

Indemnity Insurance

If the transfer of equity is made as a result of an Order of the Court, then Insolvency Indemnity Insurance is not required. In other cases, where a property is being transferred at less than market value between joint owners, an Insolvency Act Indemnity Insurance policy may be required. This is something that that your conveyancing solicitor will check with Landmark This is because, if the outgoing party is made bankrupt in the future, their Trustee in Bankruptcy could argue that they had transferred the property in order to avoid their creditors and apply to the Court to have the transaction set aside. If this happens, it could affect your lender or a future buyer from you as they would lose the property and the lender may not get back what they have loaned to you. The Insolvency Act Indemnity Insurance policy only protects lenders such as Landmark or future buyers from you. If there is no mortgage and the outgoing owner is made bankrupt, there is a risk to you that you could lose your home if the transfer is set aside. The cost of the Insolvency Act Indemnity Insurance policy is dependent on the valuation of the property at the conclusion of the transfer of equity conveyancing.

Preparing the Transfer of Equity with a Landmark Mortgage

When it comes to preparing the the Land Registry documents your lawyer should in the ‘consideration’ panel choose the first option, if consideration is given; otherwise ignore the consideration panel altogether.

If Landmark is joining in the transfer to release someone from liability, put the release in the ‘additional provisions’ panel if someone is entering into a covenant relating to the charge, place it in the ‘additional provisions’ panel stamp duty land tax is not payable when there is no chargeable consideration for the transfer (Schedule 3, paragraph 1 of the Finance Act 2003). In the case of a transfer subject to a charge (even if the transfer is by way of gift) or if a property has been transferred for no value and there is an associated discharge, HMRC would view this as an assumption of an existing debt by the purchaser (Schedule 4, paragraph 8 of the Finance Act 2003) and stamp duty land tax may be payable if you wish you may state in the ‘additional provisions’ panel that ‘This transfer is made subject to a charge dated… in favour of…’

On form AP1, your conveyancing solicitor should describe the transfer as ‘transfer of equity’ to assist Land Registry staff.

Information contained within this webpage is for general information and only applies to England and Wales. It does not constitute advice for members of the public who should contact their lawyer,mortgage broker, insurer and accountant for specific advice relating to transfer of equity. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct we do not make any representation or warranties of any kind about its completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability. Any reliance you place on the information is strictly at your own risk. Lexsure will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.