Top seven questions relating to Chelsea Building Society transfer of equity

• I currently have a joint Chelsea Building Society mortgage with my step-brother and am investigating the possibility of him assuming responsibility for the outstanding mortgage and subtracting myself from it, to enable me to purchase somewhere with my soon-to-be-wife. The remaining mortgage is approx 250k, and the property value is approx 600k. Is this a transfer of equity? Is land tax payable?
• Chelsea Building Society have just agreed I can take over the mortgage on my home. I had applied for a transfer of equity but presumably there is a transfer of ownership of the house in addition?
• How and when do I cover the costs of stamp duty due for the transfer of equity in my property in my sole name which is taking place simultaneously with a refinancing via Chelsea Building Society?
• Is stamp duty payable when it comes to an transfer of equity with a mortgage with Chelsea Building Society?
• I am thinking of remortgaging my home in Winchelsea does my lawyer have to be on the Chelsea Building Society Solicitor panel. The conveyancing also involves a transfer of equity.
• Will I have to pay any fees for a Transfer of Equity where the existing mortgage is with Chelsea Building Society?
• When it comes to transfer of equity conveyancing involving a remortgage with Chelsea Building Society should I be charged value added tax on the following: (1) HMLR fee on the transfer of equity (2) Pre - completion search fee (3) SDLT E submission on the transfer (4) Bank TT fee

Sample of information requested in a conveyancer questionnaire relating to Chelsea Building Society Transfer of Equity

Information to consider in supporting the above Chelsea Building Society 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 Chelsea Building Society conveyancing panel and accountant before transferring equity.

Transfer of Equity Conveyancing for Leasehold properties

If your property is leasehold, the lease may require that you obtain the consent of the freeholder. If such conditions are not strictly observed you may be in violation of 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 conveyancing solicitor will check with Chelsea Building Society 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 Chelsea Building Society 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 transaction.

Preparing the Transfer of Equity with a Chelsea Building Society 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 Chelsea Building Society 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 lawyer should describe the transfer as ‘transfer of equity’ to assist Land Registry staff.

Information provided 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.