Transferring Property Title After Death UK: Land Registry Forms, Process & Timeline 2025

Understanding Property Ownership Types

The process for transferring property title depends on how the property was owned. There are three main scenarios:

If you're not sure what type of ownership applies or need to understand the differences, our guide on joint tenants vs tenants in common explains each in detail.

How to Check Ownership Type

You can find out how the property was owned by obtaining the Title Register from Land Registry:

• Visit gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry
• Search by postcode or title number
• Pay £3 for instant download of title register
• Check the "Proprietorship Register" section - this shows the ownership type

The Property Transfer Process: Overview

Here's the high-level process for transferring property title:

1. Confirm ownership type (joint tenants, tenants in common, sole owner)
2. Obtain probate (if required - not needed for joint tenants) - see our guide on applying for probate for full details
3. Complete Land Registry forms (DJP, AS1, or TR1 + AP1)
4. Gather supporting documents (death certificate, probate grant, ID)
5. Submit application to Land Registry with fee
6. Respond to any requisitions (requests for more info)
7. Receive updated title register showing new owner(s)

Land Registry Forms Explained

Form DJP: Death of Joint Proprietor

Use this form when: The deceased was a joint tenant and you want to remove their name from the title, leaving the surviving owner(s).

Key features:

• Simple 2-page form
• No fee to submit
• No probate required
• Processing time: typically 2-4 weeks

What you need:

• Completed DJP form
• Death certificate (original or certified copy)
• Title register showing joint tenancy

Form AS1: Assent

Use this form when: Executors are transferring property from the estate to beneficiaries named in the will (the most common scenario for straightforward inheritances).

Key features:

• Specifically designed for will transfers
• Simpler than TR1 form
• Must be signed by executor(s)
• Probate grant required

What AS1 includes:

• Property details (address, title number)
• Deceased's details
• Beneficiary details (new owner)
• Confirmation property passing under will
• Executor signature(s)

Form TR1: Transfer of Whole of Registered Title

Use this form when:

• Executors are selling the property (not keeping it in family)
• More complex transfer arrangements
• Transferring to multiple beneficiaries with specific shares
• Property passing under intestacy (no will)

Key features:

• More detailed than AS1
• Allows for monetary consideration (sale price)
• Can specify tenants in common percentages

Form AP1: Application to Change the Register

Always required with AS1 or TR1. This is the actual application form that accompanies your AS1/TR1 transfer form.

What AP1 includes:

• Your contact details
• Property details
• Type of application (e.g., "Transfer of whole")
• List of documents being submitted
• Fee payment details

Required Supporting Documents

Along with your Land Registry forms, you'll need to provide supporting documents:

1. Death Certificate

• Original or certified copy (from Register Office where death was registered)
• NOT the interim certificate given at registration - must be official certificate
• Land Registry may keep this, so order multiple copies (typically £11 each)

2. Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration)

• Required for all transfers EXCEPT joint tenant survivorship (DJP)
• Must be official copy from Probate Registry (not photocopy)
• Get multiple certified copies when probate granted (£1.50 each)

3. The Will (if applicable)

• Copy of the will if property distribution differs from probate
• Usually not needed if included with probate grant

4. Proof of Identity for New Owners

• Passport or driving licence (certified copy or original for checking)
• Proof of address: recent utility bill, bank statement (within 3 months)

5. Title Documents

• If property is registered (most properties post-1990): Land Registry already has details, just need title number
• If property is unregistered (rare): Original title deeds required

Land Registry Fees (2026/27)

Fees are based on the value of the property at death (probate value):

Step-by-Step: Completing the Forms

Completing Form AS1 (Most Common)

Section 1: Property Details

• Enter exact address as shown on title register (check every word)
• Enter title number (9-character code like AB123456)

Section 2: Personal Representative (Executor)

• Full name(s) of executor(s) as shown on probate grant
• Address(es)

Section 3: Transferee (New Owner)

• Full name(s) of beneficiary/beneficiaries
• Address for service (where Land Registry will send documents)
• Email address (optional but recommended)

Section 4: Consideration

• Tick "The transferor has received from the transferee for the property no money or anything which has a monetary value"
• (This confirms it's an inheritance, not a sale)

Section 5: Declaration of Trust (if multiple beneficiaries)

• Joint tenants: Property passes automatically to survivor(s)
• Tenants in common: Each owns specific share (e.g., 50/50)

Section 6: Execution

• All executors must sign
• Signature must be witnessed
• Witness must be over 18, not a beneficiary
• Date the form

Submitting Your Application

You have two options for submitting your Land Registry application:

1. Postal Submission

How to submit:

• Find your local Land Registry office using the postcode search at gov.uk
• Send all forms and documents together
• Include cheque for fee (payable to "Land Registry")
• Use recorded delivery
• Keep copies of everything

2. Online Submission (via solicitor or portal)

Land Registry Business Gateway:

• Requires registration (mainly used by solicitors)
• Faster processing
• Real-time updates on progress
• Pay by card online

Processing Times and What to Expect

Typical Timescales

• DJP (joint tenants): 2-4 weeks
• AS1/TR1 standard transfers: 4-8 weeks
• Complex cases: 3-6 months

Check current processing times at: gov.uk Land Registry service updates

Requisitions (Requests for Information)

Land Registry may send "requisitions" - formal requests for additional information or clarification. Common reasons:

• Unclear signatures
• Missing documents
• Address discrepancies
• Questions about executor authority

Important: You usually have 15 working days to respond. If you don't respond in time, your application will be cancelled and you'll need to reapply.

After the Transfer is Complete

Once Land Registry approves your application, you'll receive:

• New title register showing the new owner(s)
• Title plan (map of property boundaries)
• Confirmation letter
• Original documents returned (death certificate, probate grant) - may arrive separately after 1-2 weeks

Check the New Title Register Carefully

Verify:

• Names spelled correctly
• Correct addresses
• Correct ownership type if multiple owners (joint tenants vs tenants in common)
• No unexpected charges or restrictions

If you spot any errors, contact Land Registry immediately to correct them.

Next Steps After Transfer

Once the property title is transferred, you should:

• Notify mortgage lender (if there's a mortgage on the property)
• Update insurance: Buildings and contents insurance in new owner's name
• Notify council tax office of ownership change
• Update utilities (if not already done)
• Inform service charge company (if leasehold)
• Review wills: Beneficiaries should update their own wills

Special Situations

Selling the Property Instead of Transferring to Beneficiaries

If executors are selling the property rather than transferring to beneficiaries:

• Use TR1 form to transfer directly from estate to buyer
• Saves a transfer step
• Buyer's solicitor usually handles Land Registry application
• Title transfers on completion of sale

For comprehensive guidance on selling an inherited property, including tax and timeline considerations, see our guide to selling an inherited house.

Property with Outstanding Mortgage

If there's a mortgage on the property:

• Lender has a "charge" registered against the title
• If paying off mortgage: Request redemption statement, pay off balance from estate funds, lender removes charge from title
• If beneficiary taking over mortgage: Beneficiary must apply to lender (subject to affordability checks), lender may require new mortgage application

Leasehold Property

Additional requirements for leasehold properties:

• Notify freeholder/management company of ownership change (usually £50-150 fee)
• Check lease for any restrictions on transfer
• Ensure service charges and ground rent are up to date

Property in Scotland or Northern Ireland

Different processes apply:

• Scotland: Registers of Scotland (not Land Registry), different forms required
• Northern Ireland: Land Registry Northern Ireland, separate process

Using a Solicitor vs DIY

DIY Transfer

Suitable for:

• Straightforward joint tenant survivorship (DJP)
• Simple will inheritance to one beneficiary
• No mortgage on property
• No disputes

Cost: Just Land Registry fee (£0-540)

Using a Solicitor

Recommended for:

• Complex estates with multiple beneficiaries
• Property with mortgage
• Disagreements between executors or beneficiaries
• Selling the property
• Unregistered property
• Leasehold complications

Cost: £500-1,500 typically (plus Land Registry fee)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer property after death?

Joint tenants (DJP): 2-4 weeks after submitting form. Sole owner or tenants in common: 3-6 months total (including probate wait time), then 4-8 weeks for Land Registry to process transfer.

Can I live in the property before the transfer is complete?

Yes, beneficiaries can usually live in the property during the transfer process, as long as all executors agree. However, the property still legally belongs to the estate until the transfer is registered.

What if the executors can't agree on what to do with the property?

If executors disagree, you may need to apply to the court for directions. Alternatively, one executor can renounce their role, or the will may specify how disagreements should be resolved.

Do I pay tax when transferring property after death?

No Inheritance Tax is due on the property transfer itself (IHT is paid by the estate before distribution). No Capital Gains Tax when inheriting (CGT only applies if you later sell the property for more than probate value). No Stamp Duty on property inherited from an estate.

What happens if I find a mistake on the title register after transfer?

Contact Land Registry immediately. Minor errors (spelling, address) can usually be corrected quickly. More significant errors may require a new application.