Frequently asked questions relating to Secure Trust Bank transfer of equity

• My partner and I jointly own a property in Timperley . Home loan is with Secure Trust Bank. I wish to transfer full ownership to him with no passing of money but without using a conveyancer. Is this likely to be easy to so?
• Is it possible to apply to request more money from Secure Trust Bank as part of a Transfer of Equity?
• Do I need legal advice when doing a transfer of equity where the mortgage is to remain with Secure Trust Bank?
• My financial adviser has suggested using their conveyancing solicitor for our Transfer of Equity plus remortgage with Secure Trust Bank - Surely it’s easier to just instruct them?
• I already have a mortgage with Secure Trust Bank and am retaining my current mortgaging but seeking to have it in my sole name so my ex won't be on it any longer. How long do Secure Trust Bank take to process the application?
• What if my application doesn't meet Secure Trust Bank lending criteria for a transfer of equity?
• What should I be budgeting for when it comes to what solicitors costs are for a transfer of equity? I need to transfer equity and remortgage - new loan with Secure Trust Bank - and have been quoted Three Hundred pounds plus VAT by Secure Trust Bank's approved conveyancing solicitor, Have I been over quoted?

Sample of questions in a conveyancer form concerning a Secure Trust Bank Transfer of Equity

Caveats to be read in further to the above Secure Trust Bank transfer of equity information :

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 Secure Trust Bank conveyancing panel and accountant before transferring equity.

Transfer of Equity Conveyancing for Leasehold premises

Should the tenure of your property be leasehold, the lease may require that you obtain the consent of the landlord. If such conditions are not strictly observed you may be in violation 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 as a result of an Order of the Court, then Insolvency Indemnity Insurance is not required. In other situations, 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 Secure Trust Bank 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 Secure Trust Bank 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 Secure Trust Bank Mortgage

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

If Secure Trust Bank 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.