Transfer property to a third party after the death of the sole owner
Land registration is complex, designed to protect legal and financial interests in property. There can be significant consequences for any error. Please consider seeking legal representation. Before making an application without legal representation, it is important to consider the benefits of using a conveyancer.
Our bereavement leaflet provides important information for you to consider when dealing with property when someone dies.
Documents you need to send
The buyer or their solicitor will normally make this application and pay any fees.
If you want to submit this application yourself, you can transfer the property of a sole owner to a third party by completing (help to complete forms can be found here):
And send a certified copy of evidence of death. This can be either:
- a grant of probate
- letters of administration
- a court order
To certify that a copy of a document is a true copy of the original please write: “I certify this to be a true copy of the original dated…… signed (in wet ink)……Name printed)……………. Address…………….date………….” on the face of the copied document.
You must not certify a copy of a document to be a true copy of the original, if you know that this is untrue. If you dishonestly give information or make a statement that you know is untrue or misleading, you may commit the offence of fraud under section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006 for which you may be prosecuted.
The YouTube video How to certify a document for HM Land Registry may assist you.
Verifying your identity
Evidence of Identity is usually required for all parties to the transaction unless they are represented by a conveyancer. See Practice guide 67: evidence of identity for more information and the options available to you.
Find out more about Devolution on the death of a registered proprietor.
Check how land tax affects this property transfer. You may need to send land tax evidence.
Get more information on Stamp Duty Land Tax (England) or Transaction Land Tax (Wales).
How much it costs
Our fee order contains guidance on all our fees which are based on the value of the property or the share being transferred. To work out what you need to pay for your application, you can use our fee calculator tool available on our fee order page. Cheques are payable to HM Land Registry.
Where to send your application