Can a mortgage be transferred to another person?
Let’s say you own a house with a mortgage, but life changes—maybe you’re getting divorced, gifting property to a family member, or moving abroad. A big question might pop into your head: Can I transfer my mortgage to someone else?
The short answer is: Sometimes, yes—but it’s not always easy.
In this article, we’ll break down how mortgage transfers work in the UK, what the process looks like, who qualifies, and what options you have if a full transfer isn’t possible. In this article we’ll cover these topics;
What Does “Transferring a Mortgage” Actually Mean?
When we say “transferring a mortgage,” we’re talking about changing who is responsible for paying off a home loan.
This might mean:
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Adding someone to your mortgage (like a partner or family member)
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Removing someone (maybe after a breakup or divorce)
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Handing over the whole mortgage to someone else
In the UK, this process is usually called a Transfer of Equity.
What Is a Transfer of Equity?
“Equity” means the part of the property you own (the bit that’s not owed to the bank). A Transfer of Equity is when you add or remove someone’s name from the mortgage and property title.
This could happen if:
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You’re getting married and want to add your partner
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You’re separating and want to remove your ex
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You’re gifting the house to a child or parent
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You’re sorting out inheritance or family planning
But before you start, there’s one important step: your mortgage lender has to agree.
Will the Lender Say Yes?
That depends.
To transfer a mortgage, the new person (or people) being added must go through financial checks, just like when you first applied for the mortgage. The lender will look at:
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Their income
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Credit history
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Existing debts
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Ability to afford the payments
If the new person can’t afford the mortgage—or doesn’t pass the checks—the lender will say no.
Even if you’re just removing someone (like an ex-partner), the lender has to make sure the person left behind can afford it alone.
So no matter who’s going on or off the mortgage, the lender needs to know the payments will still be made.
Can Anyone Take Over My Mortgage?
Not exactly.
In the UK, most mortgages can’t simply be handed over. Most lenders include a clause (often called a “due-on-sale” or “non-assignment” clause) that says if the property changes ownership, the mortgage must be paid off.
This means that instead of “transferring” the mortgage, the more realistic option is to:
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Do a Transfer of Equity, or
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Remortgage the property entirely
Assumable mortgages (where someone just takes over your exact mortgage terms) are not common in the UK and typically don’t apply unless explicitly allowed by the lender.
What Are Your Options?
1. Transfer of Equity with Lender Approval
This is the most common and simplest way to adjust a mortgage:
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You apply to your current lender for a Transfer of Equity
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The new party is assessed for affordability
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If approved, legal paperwork is completed
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The Land Registry is updated to reflect the new ownership
You’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal side.
2. Remortgage in the New Person’s Name
If the lender won’t approve the transfer, the person taking over the mortgage can apply for a new mortgage in their own name. If approved:
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The original mortgage is paid off
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A new one is set up
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Ownership is fully transferred
This is useful if the new borrower wants a better deal or the original mortgage terms aren’t favourable.
3. Gifting the Property
In some cases (especially with parents and children), the property may be gifted. If there’s still a mortgage:
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The person receiving the gift must be approved by the lender
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A new mortgage might be required
Don’t forget—gifting property could trigger stamp duty or inheritance tax depending on the circumstances, so always get professional advice first.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Transferring a mortgage isn’t just about paperwork—it involves legal and financial planning. You’ll likely need:
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A solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal change
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A mortgage broker to help you find the best deal (like Mortgage HQ!)
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A property valuation
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Approval from your current lender
Why Use a Mortgage Advisor Like Mortgage HQ?
Navigating mortgage transfers can be confusing—but you don’t have to do it alone. At Mortgage HQ, we help people across the UK:
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Understand their options clearly
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Handle lender communication
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Save money by finding the best mortgage deal
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Avoid common pitfalls during the transfer process
We take the stress out of it by managing all the complex bits, while keeping everything simple and clear for you. Whether you’re adding a partner, removing an ex, or helping a family member, our advice can make the process faster and smoother.
Final Thoughts – Can You Transfer a Mortgage?
Yes, in many cases, you can transfer a mortgage, but it depends on:
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Your lender’s approval
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The financial status of the new borrower
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Whether you’re adding, removing, or replacing someone
It’s not always a “straight swap,” and in the UK, most mortgages require either a Transfer of Equity or a remortgage to make changes.
If you’re considering this move, speak to a mortgage advisor first. At Mortgage HQ, we’ll help you understand your options and walk you through every step.
📞 Need expert help with a mortgage transfer? Contact Mortgage HQ today for clear, honest advice tailored to your situation. Give us a call or email us using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Let’s make a complex process feel simple.