A gift can be difficult to reverse once completed
Parents may wish to help their children or plan a future transfer. The practical questions include tax, mortgages, sibling relationships, divorce risk and the donor’s continued home.
The significant choices are made before signing. After registration, some options may no longer be available.
Matters we regularly encounter
Parents transfer a home to a child as financial support or advance inheritance.
Spouses reorganise ownership.
A mortgage or charge requires bank consent.
A family seeks to prevent future inheritance disputes.
The scope of our representation
Objectives and alternatives
Compare a gift, will or other arrangement against your needs.
Property due diligence
Examine registration, charges, rights and tax status.
Tax considerations
Assess family-transfer relief with a tax adviser where appropriate.
Donor protection
Address residence, use rights and future contingencies.
Mortgages and encumbrances
Coordinate consent or release with the bank.
Drafting, reporting and registration
Prepare the transfer documents and complete the required filings.
From assessment to completion
Initial assessment
Identify the donor, recipient and protections required.
Strategy development
Review title, charges and potential relief.
Representation & action
Address future consequences expressly.
A point worth understanding
Tax relief for gifts between relatives depends on specific conditions. A later sale may be subject to restrictions or waiting periods. Review these implications before signing.
Property Gifts & Family Transfers
Articles & Insights
Practical questions, considerations and a wider perspective
Cancelling a Promised Property Gift