How to remove someone’s name from a title deed

A change in personal circumstances may make it necessary to remove a name from a property deed.

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Matthew Boyle

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Whether it’s due to death, divorce or a change in personal circumstances, it may become necessary for a name to be removed from a property deed. This is usually achieved by the property owners, including the person whose name is being removed, completing a transfer deed.

Although you can generally complete the process yourself, you might want to get legal help and have a lawyer review the paperwork for you.

How can I remove a name from the title deed?

The basic process involves filling in a series of forms and sending them to HM Land Registry. The exact procedure you’ll need to follow depends on a few things, such as whether or not there is a mortgage on the property.

Steps to remove a name from a property deed

1. Fill in the application to change the register.

You’ll need to fill in the application to change the register, known as form AP1.

You can obtain a copy of the official title register for £3 from the Land Registry website.

2. Sign the transfer deed.

The transfer deed, often referred to as TR1, must be signed by the property owners, including the one who is being removed.

3. Take form ID1 to a solicitors’ firm.

Form ID1 is the certificate of identity for a private individual. This form needs to be completed by a solicitor. You must also take with you a valid form of identification, which must be one of either:

  • A valid passport
  • A current photocard driving licence from either the EU, UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands. A provisional licence wouldn’t be enough
  • A UK Biometric Residence Permit

You will also need to provide two of the following:

  • A mortgage statement, sent by post, for the most recent finished accounting year
  • A UK-issued credit card, supported by a recent account statement, under three months old
  • A council rent book for the last three months
  • A council tax bill for the current year
  • A utility bill sent by post under three months ago
  • A current firearm or shotgun certificate
4. Send the completed forms to HM Land Registry.

The forms should be sent to this address:

HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB

Don’t want to deal with all the trouble of handling your deed? You can consult with a lawyer who will complete the process for you.

What if there is a mortgage on the property?

If you need to remove a name from a title deed for a property with a mortgage on it, you will need written consent to do so from the lender. Generally, it is easier to obtain this if the person(s) left on the title deed is (are) sufficiently financially secure.

How can I remove a name from the title deed when a property owner dies?

In this case, you should fill in the deceased joint proprietor (DJP) form.

This form should then be sent to the HM Land Registry Citizen Centre, at this address:

HM Land Registry
Citizen Centre
PO Box 74
Gloucester
GL14 9BB

Frequently asked questions

Who is most likely to be researching removing someone's name from a title deed?

Finder data suggests that men aged 25-34 are most likely to be researching this topic.

ResponseMale (%)Female (%)
65+6.03%6.09%
55-646.85%7.38%
45-549.28%9.46%
35-4410.84%10.24%
25-3410.98%10.06%
18-246.80%5.99%
Source: Finder sample of 6,630 visitors using demographics data from Google Analytics
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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

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Matthew has written 285 Finder guides across topics including:
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60 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    AMarch 17, 2018

    Hello,

    If I already have an on going legal case regarding my property ie someone is seeking beneficial interest on my property, would it be best to start legal proceedings to have them removed from the title or wait until the first matter is concluded?

      AvatarFinder
      joelmarceloMarch 24, 2018Finder

      Hi there,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder. Please note that we are a comparison website and we can only give general advice.

      It would be best if you can consult your case with a lawyer so you can get personalized, professional advice. Rocket Lawyer is the most widely used legal service in the world, and might be a good option for any queries you have around property deeds.

      Cheers,
      Joel

    Default Gravatar
    steveMarch 16, 2018

    if you want to remove a name from a house deed and the other
    person has put not money into buying the house would i have to pay capital gains tax

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaMarch 25, 2018Finder

      Hi Steve,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      Generally, Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is a tax you need to pay when you earn something. In this case, you will only be removing a person’s name from a house deed and you don’t earn anything from this transaction.

      You may learn more about CGT by visiting this government website.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

        Default Gravatar
        omarApril 5, 2018

        Hi,

        I helped my brother buy the council house he and I lived in 15 years ago. I want to remove my name from the mortgage deeds. Will I be liable for Capital Gains Tax ? I have never paid a penny into the mortgage. My name was there to help get the mortgage loan.

        Regards
        Omar

          AvatarFinder
          JeniApril 6, 2018Finder

          Hi Omar,

          Thank you for getting in touch with finder.

          Since the only reason you are on the deeds and the mortgage is to make the purchase possible (and not to benefit financially) all you need to do is have the solicitor handling the purchase draw up a simple declaration of trust by which you state that you hold your share beneficially for your brother. That way there is no question of tax on a future transfer/removing your name from the deeds.

          Professional help from a solicitor is normally to be recommended when talking about taxes and other costs.

          I hope this helps.

          Have a great day!

          Cheers,
          Jeni

    Default Gravatar
    PaulMarch 15, 2018

    Hello, I wonder if you can help me. My mother’s deeds for her house has her listed as home owner. Also on the deeds are her ex husband and finally her ex mothering law who has passed, listed as lenders. What exactly does this mean ? Many thanks

      AvatarFinder
      JoshuaMarch 25, 2018Finder

      Hi Paul,

      Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

      You mentioned that your mother’s name is on the deed and listed as a homeowner.It means exactly what it says. Your mother is the owner of the house.

      Your mother’s previous husband and mother-in-law are listed as lenders. It means that they could have given the money needed to buy the house.

      Since I don’t have a copy of your mother’s deed, it would be a good idea if you find an expert who can explain the deed to you.

      I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

      Have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Joshua

    Default Gravatar
    SharonMarch 15, 2018

    My name has been removed from a house deeds without my permission what can i do?

      Default Gravatar
      LiezlMarch 23, 2018

      Hi Sharon,

      Thanks for reaching out to us at finder!

      If you’re name is on the property deed, generally you cannot be removed without your consent unless by virtue of court order. In cases like this, it’s best to seek the assistance of a lawyer who can better asses your situation better and guide on the process. You may contact the featured lawyer above if you’re not yet represented.

      Best regards,
      Liezl

    Default Gravatar
    MichaelMarch 9, 2018

    Hello. Just got a mortgage offer. Name of the offer reads as Mrs …. and Mr ….. How do I change it so it reads Mr ….. and Mrs…….. consistent with all our previous documents

      Default Gravatar
      LiezlMarch 23, 2018

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks for visiting finder! You can contact the institution which issued the mortgage offer and request them to change the name. Generally, you can still make changes to the offer as long as the lender agrees to it.

      Make sure as well to read the mortgage offer very carefully to be sure that the rates and terms are correct and agreeable to you. If you do not agree with any of the conditions stated on the offer, you must discuss this with the lender before accepting the offer.

      Cheers,
      Liezl

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