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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Hi I want to transfer a house to my son that i own It is an investment property I bought in 1985 how much do I have to pay in fees
Finder
RichardJune 23, 2022Finder
Hello Paul,
If you bought the property before 20 September 1985 then you may be exempt from CGT. If you bought it after that date you will have to pay CGT.
You can determine your CGT costs using this guide.
Regards,
Richard
JoMarch 18, 2022
My in-laws have suggested a proposal.. that if I give them half the value of the property. That they will add me to the tile. However they are concerned about the implications of stamp duty and capital gains tax in Victoria. How much tax would we be liable for?
Finder
RichardMarch 23, 2022Finder
Hi Jo,
You pay capital gains tax when transferring ownership of a property that isn’t your principal place of residence. So if the property is an investment property then CGT may apply.
Stamp duty also applies when adding someone to a property title, unless they are a partner. So this may apply too.
I suggest talking to a conveyancer, who can help you explain the costs and obligations involved.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Richard
KathyNovember 6, 2021
I would like to add my name to a property title that is currently owned by my daughter. How much does it cost for joint ownership and how about tenants in common where two thirds is owned by one party and one third by the other party?
Finder
RichardNovember 10, 2021Finder
Hi Kathy,
Adding a name to a property title may involve fees as well as stamp duty. The form you’ll need to submit and the associated fees depend on which state or territory you live in. These can change from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website.
It might help to get professional legal advice from a property lawyer or a licensed conveyancer before adding a name to a property title.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Richard
JaneOctober 15, 2021
Hi, I am paying the mortgage on the home long and this is in both my husband and my name. My husband initially purchased on his own but we since refinanced years ago and I have been on the mortgage ever since. The title of the home however is in his name only. How can we change this to add my name and is there a significant cost involved ? Thanks
Finder
RichardOctober 18, 2021Finder
Hi Jane,
Having your name added to a property title may involve fees as well as stamp duty. The form to be lodged and the associated fees depend on which state or territory you live in. The amount you’ll pay depends on the value of the transaction being ‘stamped’. The stamp duty to be paid is based on the rate that applies in your state or territory, less any discounts or exemptions.
While there may be exemptions on stamp duty in certain situations for married, de facto, and same-sex couples, and also for first-home buyers and owner-occupiers, you need to meet a number of conditions to be eligible for these discounts. Please note that these could vary from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website.
Consider getting professional legal advice before adding a name to a property title.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Richard
BeverleyAugust 19, 2021
Is there a cost involved in a wife’s name to a property title
Finder
SarahAugust 21, 2021Finder
Hi Beverley,
Yes, adding a name to a property title may involve fees and stamp duty could be payable. The form and associated fees differ by state.
For married, de facto and same-sex couples, stamp duty may not be payable when adding your partner to your property title. You need to meet a number of conditions to qualify for this exemption, and these can change from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website. You can also check out our guide to see the stamp duty exemptions per state or territory: https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans/stamp-duty-calculator
Remember, it is always worth seeking professional legal advice before adding a name to a property title to get specific advice regarding your situation.
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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Hi I want to transfer a house to my son that i own It is an investment property I bought in 1985 how much do I have to pay in fees
Hello Paul,
If you bought the property before 20 September 1985 then you may be exempt from CGT. If you bought it after that date you will have to pay CGT.
You can determine your CGT costs using this guide.
Regards,
Richard
My in-laws have suggested a proposal.. that if I give them half the value of the property. That they will add me to the tile. However they are concerned about the implications of stamp duty and capital gains tax in Victoria. How much tax would we be liable for?
Hi Jo,
You pay capital gains tax when transferring ownership of a property that isn’t your principal place of residence. So if the property is an investment property then CGT may apply.
Stamp duty also applies when adding someone to a property title, unless they are a partner. So this may apply too.
I suggest talking to a conveyancer, who can help you explain the costs and obligations involved.
I hope this helps!
Regards,
Richard
I would like to add my name to a property title that is currently owned by my daughter. How much does it cost for joint ownership and how about tenants in common where two thirds is owned by one party and one third by the other party?
Hi Kathy,
Adding a name to a property title may involve fees as well as stamp duty. The form you’ll need to submit and the associated fees depend on which state or territory you live in. These can change from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website.
It might help to get professional legal advice from a property lawyer or a licensed conveyancer before adding a name to a property title.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Richard
Hi, I am paying the mortgage on the home long and this is in both my husband and my name. My husband initially purchased on his own but we since refinanced years ago and I have been on the mortgage ever since. The title of the home however is in his name only. How can we change this to add my name and is there a significant cost involved ? Thanks
Hi Jane,
Having your name added to a property title may involve fees as well as stamp duty. The form to be lodged and the associated fees depend on which state or territory you live in. The amount you’ll pay depends on the value of the transaction being ‘stamped’. The stamp duty to be paid is based on the rate that applies in your state or territory, less any discounts or exemptions.
While there may be exemptions on stamp duty in certain situations for married, de facto, and same-sex couples, and also for first-home buyers and owner-occupiers, you need to meet a number of conditions to be eligible for these discounts. Please note that these could vary from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website.
Consider getting professional legal advice before adding a name to a property title.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Richard
Is there a cost involved in a wife’s name to a property title
Hi Beverley,
Yes, adding a name to a property title may involve fees and stamp duty could be payable. The form and associated fees differ by state.
For married, de facto and same-sex couples, stamp duty may not be payable when adding your partner to your property title. You need to meet a number of conditions to qualify for this exemption, and these can change from state to state so make sure you request a form from your state office of revenue or your state government website. You can also check out our guide to see the stamp duty exemptions per state or territory: https://www.finder.com.au/home-loans/stamp-duty-calculator
Remember, it is always worth seeking professional legal advice before adding a name to a property title to get specific advice regarding your situation.
Hope this helps!
Sarah