Useful Guides

Putting a house in a trust in the UK can be a strategic way to manage and protect your property. People often do this for several reasons. To make inheritance smoother and avoid lengthy probate, to control how and when beneficiaries receive the property, or to help manage potential inheritance tax liabilities. It can also provide protection if the homeowner becomes unable to manage their affairs or ensure that the home stays within the family. Overall, placing a house in a trust is often about securing peace of mind, protecting loved ones, and ensuring your wishes are carried out efficiently.

Bryan Property Lettings and Management have created 5 steps for you to successfully transfer your house into a trust. 

1. Create a Trust:

First, you will need to set up a trust. This can be a living trust, which allows you to control the property while you’re alive and specify how it’s managed after your death. You may want to consult with an attorney to ensure the trust is created according to your state laws.

2. Draft a Deed Transferring the Property:

You will need to create a new deed that transfers the title of the house to the trust. This is usually a quitclaim deed or a warranty deed. The deed will name the trust as the new owner of the property, with the trustee (the person or entity managing the trust) listed as the person responsible for the property.

3. Sign and Notarize the Deed:

The deed must be signed by you (the current owner) in front of a notary. Depending on your state’s requirements, this may need to be signed in the presence of a witness as well.

4. Record the Deed:

After the deed is signed and notarized, you’ll need to file it with the county recorder’s office where the property is located. This legally records the change in ownership from you (as an individual) to the trust.

5. Update Homeowners Insurance and Other Documents:

After the property is transferred to the trust, you’ll want to update your homeowner’s insurance policy to reflect that the trust is the owner. You may also want to notify other parties, such as mortgage lenders or tax authorities, that the property is now held in the trust.

We recommend that you consult with an estate planning agent during this process to ensure all steps are completed correctly