If you want to add a partner's name to a property title you'll need to complete your state or territory's title transfer form (or equivalent).
You'll have to pay a fee, but you may be able to avoid stamp duty if you're in a married or de facto relationship with the person you're adding to the title.
If you have a mortgage, you'll have to notify your lender too. When changing a property title it's always a good idea to get professional legal advice beforehand.
Government websites and forms
The paperwork and process for adding a partner's name to your property title differs in each state and territory. You will usually need the following forms and documents:
Mortgage documents. If you have a mortgage, your lender will need to provide documents you need before adding your partner's name to the title.
Property title. You will need the original property title or certificate.
Transfer form. This is the government paperwork you will need to complete. There will also be a fee. Fees and forms differ by state.
If you plan to transfer a share in your property or renegotiate any mortgage, the first step is to contact your lender. Your lender has to approve the title change, because its name is also on your mortgage.
Your lender will assess the financial situation of both parties and may or may not give you consent. If approval is given, your lender will most likely lodge all the documents.
Married couples. Both involved have rights to the property, so each individual would have a claim on it regardless of whose names appear on the deeds.
Adding a long term partner. By adding a partner onto the mortgage, you will both get fair rights if the property is sold. If you initially purchased the property, it's wise to protect your investment under a ‘tenants in common’ arrangement.
Talk to a conveyancer or solicitor before adding someone to a property title
Title changes are complex legal processes for the average person to understand. It's a good idea to get professional legal help first.
What type of ownership agreement should I get?
There are 2 ownership structures, and both are quite different:
Joint tenants. Both parties own the property equally and together. This is not a 50/50 ownership structure because both parties own it completely. You cannot sell "your half" in this structure unless you renegotiate the agreement (via divorce, for example). This type of agreement is most popular among married and long term de facto couples.
Tenants in common. Both parties can choose to own the property, either in equal shares or unequally. For example, 1 party would own a third and the other owns two-thirds. If 1 of the owners die then their will decides who gets the ownership share. This agreement is popular with owners who don’t want their share to go to other owners, such as friends or business partners.
Example: Adding a long term partner to your property
John and Ling have been dating for 3 years and are ready to move in together. Ling already has a property in Dee Why, Sydney worth $750,000 while John lives with his parents. The agreement is that John will move into Ling’s property and start making 50% towards the monthly repayments.
Ling has paid $50,000 worth of repayments and provided a $100,000 deposit. She now owns $150,000 worth of the property, which means she owns 20% of the property.
Ling and John first approach the lender to see if they can get approval to get a joint loan. After reviewing their finances, the lender consents to adding John’s name to the title and mortgage. The lender also works with a third party legal service to obtain all the legal documents and a draw up a "tenants in common" agreement. This allows them to specify how much each person will own.
They decide that Ling will own 60% of the property (including the portion she already owns) and John will own 40%. After Ling and John fill in the appropriate paperwork and pay the transfer fee of $350, the house is now under both of their names.
Will I have to pay stamp duty?
In some cases, stamp duty is not payable when a partner is added to a property title. This includes married, de facto and same sex couples. To get this exemption, you'll need to fill out an exemption form. This is available from your state office of revenue.
There are a number of conditions you need to meet to qualify for this exemption and these can change from state to state. As mentioned above, always check with your lender before carrying out any transfer of title or mortgage.
More helpful guides on property ownership and titles
Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University.
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If a property is owned as Joint Tenants can one of the owners add another person to the title?
Finder
MarcJanuary 22, 2014Finder
Hello Rhonda,
thanks for the question.
Generally speaking this will require agreement from both tenants, and could change the agreement to a tenants in common agreement.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
MarioJanuary 17, 2014
Hi,
I want to add my partner to the title, but she has a bad credit rating, will this be a problem with the bank?
Finder
MarcJanuary 17, 2014Finder
Hello Mario,
thanks for the question.
Adding another title to your mortgage may involve your bank requesting a new application and will include assessing both of your credit files, so this might be an issue depending on the nature of the bad credit and the bank in question. I’d recommend discussing this with your lender directly.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
LynnJanuary 15, 2014
My partner has an Investment property in his name only. Currently my partner is not working and I am paying the mortgage and bills for the property.
He wants to transfer it to my name but i am unable to get a loan for the amount required. Is our only option to have both of our names on the Title?
Finder
ShirleyJanuary 16, 2014Finder
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your comment.
It’s likely that sharing the title may be your only option – please speak to your current lender or a mortgage broker about your options.
Cheers,
Shirley
MaryJanuary 7, 2014
Is there a certain age limit that you have to be to have your name on a house title? For example- I’m 17 and my partner is 19, can I also have my name on the title even though I am under 18?
Finder
MarcJanuary 7, 2014Finder
Hello Mary,
thanks for the question.
Minors can in most cases buy a property in Australia, but this will come with specific tax and legal obstacles. I’ve emailed you more information regarding this.
Cheers,
Marc.
sbDecember 16, 2013
Is it possible to be added to the title of the house without adding it to the mortgage?
Finder
ShirleyDecember 16, 2013Finder
Hi Sb,
Thanks for your comment.
Generally the person who is added on the title needs to show some interest in the mortgage and property, but this depends on the lender. Please speak to the lender to confirm these details.
Removing a name from a property title can require the help of a legal expert, and might come with fees depending on the state. Find out how to do it here.
Transfer of ownership of property is relatively straightforward, but there are a few steps involved. Here’s what you need to know.
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If a property is owned as Joint Tenants can one of the owners add another person to the title?
Hello Rhonda,
thanks for the question.
Generally speaking this will require agreement from both tenants, and could change the agreement to a tenants in common agreement.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
Hi,
I want to add my partner to the title, but she has a bad credit rating, will this be a problem with the bank?
Hello Mario,
thanks for the question.
Adding another title to your mortgage may involve your bank requesting a new application and will include assessing both of your credit files, so this might be an issue depending on the nature of the bad credit and the bank in question. I’d recommend discussing this with your lender directly.
I hope this helps,
Marc.
My partner has an Investment property in his name only. Currently my partner is not working and I am paying the mortgage and bills for the property.
He wants to transfer it to my name but i am unable to get a loan for the amount required. Is our only option to have both of our names on the Title?
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for your comment.
It’s likely that sharing the title may be your only option – please speak to your current lender or a mortgage broker about your options.
Cheers,
Shirley
Is there a certain age limit that you have to be to have your name on a house title? For example- I’m 17 and my partner is 19, can I also have my name on the title even though I am under 18?
Hello Mary,
thanks for the question.
Minors can in most cases buy a property in Australia, but this will come with specific tax and legal obstacles. I’ve emailed you more information regarding this.
Cheers,
Marc.
Is it possible to be added to the title of the house without adding it to the mortgage?
Hi Sb,
Thanks for your comment.
Generally the person who is added on the title needs to show some interest in the mortgage and property, but this depends on the lender. Please speak to the lender to confirm these details.
Hope this helps,
Shirley