Transfer of house deeds

[pep]

My partner and her brother own a house with no mortgage. Her brother wants to gift his half to me and we need to change the names on the deeds to reflect this. Can I do this myself or must I use a solicitor?

[Gumbo]

You will need a solicitor for this.

[pep]

Hi Gumbo, Thanks for the reply. Can you tell me why this is? Is it a legal requirement or just so solicitors can have splendid holidays!

[Petal]

You could do it yourself - if you knew what to do. It's not simply a case of changing names - it's a transfer of property which might be subject to Stamp Duty and other taxes and has to be recorded at the Land Registry.