Frequently asked questions relating to TSB transfer of equity

• I am filling out a TSB transfer of equity request and have arrived at the section concerning debts etc. I do some debts that I have been reducing since 2008, I understand that they have long since disappeared from my credit rating. Am I obliged to reveal these?
• Online research suggests that solicitors are more expensive than licensed conveyancers for transfer of equity conveyancing. Am I better of using a conveyancer or a solicitor if I need to be transferring equity and simultaneously refinancing with TSB
• Is it possible to transfer the equity held in my property with my TSB home loan?
• What if my application doesn't meet TSB lending criteria for a transfer of equity?
• How do I go about adding or subtracting names (transfer of equity) to or from my TSB mortgage account?
• TSB have just agreed I can take over the home loan on the flat. I have applied for a transfer of equity but is this a transfer of ownership at the Land Registry in addition?
• Having been 3 years estranged I have opted to give up my share of our house to my husband who is refinancing with TSB. Can a transfer of equity be done in less than 28 days?

Questions that your conveyancing solicitor may ask regarding your TSB Transfer of Equity

Information to consider in conjunction with the above TSB transfer of equity Advice :

Tax and Legal

There are numerous potential tax and legal implications when transferring equity for your property. You should always seek the advice of a solicitor on the TSB conveyancing panel and accountant before transferring equity.

Transfer of Equity Conveyancing for Leasehold titles

Should the tenure of your property be leasehold, the lease may require that you have a license to do so from the freeholder. If such conditions are not complied with you may be in violation of 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 lawyer will check with TSB 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 TSB 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 TSB 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 TSB 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 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.