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.

My husband buy a house in his own name after we married. This house is in mortgage in his own name. If I want to add my name to this property, how can I do that? Any stamp duty we need to pay? Our house is in queensland.
Hi Clare,
Thanks for getting in touch!
Generally, both involved in the property have rights to the property, so each individual would have a claim on the property regardless of whose names appear on the deeds.
Every case is different when it comes to adding a partner to your property, so the Department of Land and Property Information recommends that everyone seeks legal and professional advice through the process.
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 realise this exemption, you’ll need to fill out an exemption form, which is available from your state office of revenue.
There are a number of conditions which must be met before this exemption is able to be realised, and these can change from state to state. Always check with your lender before carrying out any transfer of title or mortgage.
Hope this clarifies.
Cheers,
Nikki
I want to add my husband to my mobile home Deed on registration whatever you want to call it but I need to know what I need to do and how much it will cost me.
Hi MicheleMi,
Thank you for your comment.
To add your husband to your property title, you’ll need to fill in the necessary forms and apply with your state government. Please note that the process, including the costs and fees, may differ in each Australian state and territory.
Generally, you’ll have to fill in the following:
– Transfer form: You can obtain the transfer form from your state government website. You’ll have to record your name as both transferor and transferee and add your partner’s name as transferee.
– Certificate of title: The original certificate of title may be held by you or your lender. You’ll be required to provide this document.
– Mortgage documents: If you already have a mortgage, you must first seek advice from your lender. This way, they can provide any relevant mortgage documents that may be required to add in your partner’s name to your property title.
You are well advised to kindly seek advice from a conveyancer who can help you with the whole process and the fees involved.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I will be moving in with my fiancée at the end of the year. He owns his home and has no mortgage. I have agreed to buy into his property and the arrangement will be 50/50. In order for me to pay my half share and get the property deed into joint names, what is the process and are there any other fees I will need to pay?
Hello Tracey,
Thank you for your inquiry today.
The process and fees would vary depending on your local state revenue requirements. Please click the applicable state government website above for more information. Once you have selected the government website, please search for forms and/or fees guide. You may also contact a conveyancer or the local property office for further advice.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I sold one property which was in my name only and purchase one new property in my wife name, now I want to add my name into the property as co-owner for income tax purpose, or want to do back dated Gift Deed , can I do it ?
What is the procedure ?
Hi Joshi,
Thanks for contacting finder. Please note though we are not property experts, we’re more than happy to offer you a general advice.
Yes, it is possible to add your name to your new property. Just to confirm though if this property is under mortgage? If so, best that you consult first with your lender. If they would allow you to add your name, you can start the process by filling out the relevant transfer form which can be obtained from the Land and Property Information website. Typically, the process and fees involved vary from state to state so best that you visit your local government website. Please click on the name of your state (listed above) to be redirected to the official site.
Cheers,
May
Form for adding a name to a title in Victoria
Hello Camille!
You can visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) to locate the forms you might need.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan