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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Paying my mortgage out end of the month & would like to add my new wife to the title, is it advisable to do this before mortgage is payed out or after Thanks
Finder
RichardJune 19, 2025Finder
Hi Sparra,
When you pay off the mortgage you’ll need to fill out a discharge form, which removes the lender from the title. It might be easier to wait until there’s no mortgage before adding your wife to the title. But I suggest speaking to a conveyancer to get expert help.
AubreyApril 3, 2025
Hi,
We own our house as Joint tenants in Sydney, NSW, with equal shares, and now would like to add on Major son onto the title deed. The unit is fully owned by us, with no O/S debt.
How do we do this and does Stamp Duty payable on this transaction.
Is there any more info we need to be aware of, please.
Thanks & Regards
Finder
SarahApril 3, 2025Finder
Hi Aubrey,
As noted in this article, to transfer property ownership will incur stamp duty. If it’s your son’s first home, he may be eligible for a stamp duty discount or waiver. Your best bet is contact the Office of State Revenue and explain the specifics of your situation, and they can advise you on what your stamp duty obligations are likely to be.
Best of luck!
RobertNovember 1, 2024
My wife and I want to take out ‘Homesafe’ with a view to hep pay out the mortgage with the bank. The bank will not allow my wife to be on the title saying if I become deceased she would not be able to finance the loan( in the future)
This is a dilemma as ‘Homesafe’ wants both names to be on the title. If they were then we could pay off the loan. We are in a bind.
Finder
AngusNovember 2, 2024Finder
Hi Robert, This is a tricky situation. If the bank won’t agree to changing the title, there’s not a lot you can do directly. Equity release schemes such as Homesafe should be considered carefully, as ultimately you are giving up part of the title in your property. If you are concerned about mortgage payments, other options would include selling your current property and moving somewhere less expensive, or refinancing to make the payments more manageable. It might make sense to chat with the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and explore other options.
RatchawanOctober 29, 2024
I brought 2 homes for investment. ( 2016 and 2022) I would like to add my husband name on both properties. We married since 2005. What the process and how much for the all cost? thank you
Finder
RichardOctober 30, 2024Finder
Hello Ratchawan,
The fees depend on which state you live in. You’ll also need to contact your lender if you have mortgages on these properties because you’ll need their approval.
There should be no stamp duty costs if you’re adding a partner. I suggest talking to your lender first and possibly contacting a conveyancer.
kimSeptember 23, 2024
I had a fire at my home finally got paid by insurance company and knocked burnt house down and now rebuilding.
My son is going on loan as I can’t now afford on my own to rebuild.
I will be putting him on my title he is 21 first home buyers do we have to pay stamp duty in NSW.
He is on the mortgage principle place of residence once built.
Finder
AngusSeptember 23, 2024Finder
Hi Kim, in this scenario your son will likely have to pay transfer duty. Here’s the NSW government guide to how that works. Hope that helps!
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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Paying my mortgage out end of the month & would like to add my new wife to the title, is it advisable to do this before mortgage is payed out or after Thanks
Hi Sparra,
When you pay off the mortgage you’ll need to fill out a discharge form, which removes the lender from the title. It might be easier to wait until there’s no mortgage before adding your wife to the title. But I suggest speaking to a conveyancer to get expert help.
Hi,
We own our house as Joint tenants in Sydney, NSW, with equal shares, and now would like to add on Major son onto the title deed. The unit is fully owned by us, with no O/S debt.
How do we do this and does Stamp Duty payable on this transaction.
Is there any more info we need to be aware of, please.
Thanks & Regards
Hi Aubrey,
As noted in this article, to transfer property ownership will incur stamp duty. If it’s your son’s first home, he may be eligible for a stamp duty discount or waiver. Your best bet is contact the Office of State Revenue and explain the specifics of your situation, and they can advise you on what your stamp duty obligations are likely to be.
Best of luck!
My wife and I want to take out ‘Homesafe’ with a view to hep pay out the mortgage with the bank. The bank will not allow my wife to be on the title saying if I become deceased she would not be able to finance the loan( in the future)
This is a dilemma as ‘Homesafe’ wants both names to be on the title. If they were then we could pay off the loan. We are in a bind.
Hi Robert, This is a tricky situation. If the bank won’t agree to changing the title, there’s not a lot you can do directly. Equity release schemes such as Homesafe should be considered carefully, as ultimately you are giving up part of the title in your property. If you are concerned about mortgage payments, other options would include selling your current property and moving somewhere less expensive, or refinancing to make the payments more manageable. It might make sense to chat with the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 and explore other options.
I brought 2 homes for investment. ( 2016 and 2022) I would like to add my husband name on both properties. We married since 2005. What the process and how much for the all cost? thank you
Hello Ratchawan,
The fees depend on which state you live in. You’ll also need to contact your lender if you have mortgages on these properties because you’ll need their approval.
There should be no stamp duty costs if you’re adding a partner. I suggest talking to your lender first and possibly contacting a conveyancer.
I had a fire at my home finally got paid by insurance company and knocked burnt house down and now rebuilding.
My son is going on loan as I can’t now afford on my own to rebuild.
I will be putting him on my title he is 21 first home buyers do we have to pay stamp duty in NSW.
He is on the mortgage principle place of residence once built.
Hi Kim, in this scenario your son will likely have to pay transfer duty. Here’s the NSW government guide to how that works. Hope that helps!