Recently asked questions relating to Landmark transfer of equity

• What is the process for adding or removing names (transfer of equity) to or from my Landmark mortgage account?
• My current mortgage is with Landmark. Can I transfer equity to someone under eighteen years old?
• I co-own a flat in Miles Platting , with a Landmark mortgage with my ex husband. Him and his new partner are going to buy me out. We had consent from Landmark to remove my name with hers. The transfer of equity has to be done by a conveyancer for Landmark (apparently). Can we do the Land Registry formalities?
• Is it possible to transfer the equity held in my property with my Landmark home loan?
• Landmark have just agreed I can take over the home loan on my home. I have applied for a transfer of equity but is this a transfer of ownership at the Land Registry as well?
• How and when do I pay stamp duty due for the transfer of equity in my property in my sole name which is happening simultaneously with a refinancing via Landmark?
• I am am in need of a conveyancing solicitor to handle my transfer of equity. Landmark have been approached for a remortgage. I considered asking my mortgage broker. I understand he will likely receive a referral fee for suggesting a firm, but also of benefit will be that he knows the lawyer, has dealt with them before. Is my logic flawed?

Information that may be required from your lawyer could ask in relation to your Landmark Transfer of Equity

Caveats to be read 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 titles

If your property is leasehold, provisions in the lease may have a requirement for notices to be served and that you have a license to do so from the landlord. If such conditions are not strictly observed you may be in breach of your covenants under the lease. This could trigger the freeholder taking enforcement action against you.

Indemnity Insurance

If the transfer of equity is made pursuant to 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 lawyer 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 varies based on the market value of the property at finalisation 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 conveyancer 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.

Content on this webpage is for general information and only applies to England and Wales. It should not be regarded as 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.