Can I add someone to my mortgage?

Key takeaways

• Process: Someone can be added via a “transfer of equity” or by remortgaging onto a new joint deal.
• Requirements: The new person must pass the lender’s credit history and affordability checks.
• Legal: A solicitor or conveyancer is required to update the property title and handle legal filings.
• Lender Fees: A “change of parties” fee typically ranges from £100 to £200.
• Additional Costs: Legal fees (£250–£750) and potential Stamp Duty or Early Repayment Charges may also apply.

Can someone be added to an existing mortgage?

Yes, most lenders allow a “transfer of equity,” which adds a new borrower to the loan and the property title. The current borrower and the new applicant must both pass the lender’s credit and affordability checks.

• Transfer of equity with the same lender. The loan balance and interest rate stay the same, but a change-of-parties fee (typically £100-£200) and solicitor costs apply.
• Remortgage to a new deal. Both names go on a brand-new mortgage, which may unlock better rates or terms but can trigger early-repayment charges on the old loan.

All borrowers become jointly and severally liable for the full debt. As of December 2025, the average two-year fixed rate was about 3.96%, but if the new borrower has low credit, this could mean you’ll be offered a higher rate of interest. If the new borrower has bad credit, don’t give up. It’s possible to get a mortgage with adverse credit. You might just need a little help from a mortgage broker.

Is a solicitor needed to add someone to a mortgage?

Yes, you’ll need a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of adding someone to your mortgage. They’ll ensure that the property title is updated with the new owner’s name, the legal documents are filed correctly, and both parties understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

How to add someone to a mortgage

A homeowner can add someone to their mortgage by asking their existing lender to complete the equity transfer for them or by remortgaging onto a new deal. Before contacting your existing lender, it can be wise to find out all available options first.

For example, moving to a new provider could be the best option. Or, if you have a fixed-rate mortgage and you’ll need to pay an early repayment charge to leave the deal early, sticking with your current lender may be cheaper.

Keep in mind that some lenders charge a fee to complete the equity transfer process, and you may find a better deal elsewhere. Speaking to a mortgage broker can help you work out the best option for you before you apply for a new mortgage deal or start an equity transfer.

Learn more: The essential guide to buying a house together

HSBC

o Minimum residency: 12 months minimum residency.

o Key Requirements: £75k+ individual income (or £100k joint); Max 85% LTV; No gifted deposits for the first 15%.

Barclays

o Minimum residency: Varies

o Key Requirements: Requires at least £100,000 in savings or investments.

Halifax

o Minimum residency: 5 Years

o Key Requirements: Strict residency requirement of more than five years in the UK.

What does it cost to add someone to a mortgage?

Yes, it usually costs to add someone to an existing mortgage. A lender might charge a processing or ‘change of parties’ fee for updating your mortgage agreement. Lenders set their own fees, but they typically range from £100 to £200.

If you remortgage your home to add someone else to your mortgage, your current lender may charge you a fee if you leave your mortgage deal early. Early repayment charges typically range from 1% to 5% of the outstanding loan amount. However, if the new interest rate is better than the current deal, the savings could outweigh these fees. You may also be able to add the early repayment fees to the new mortgage, but you will pay more interest over the course of your term.

Solicitors or conveyancers will also charge for handling the property title transfer and associated paperwork. Legal fees vary depending on the firm, but typically range from £250 to £750 plus VAT.

Adding someone to your mortgage could result in a Stamp Duty bill if money or property equity is transferred. You can learn more about Stamp Duty implications in our dedicated guide.

Speak to a mortgage specialist to help compare the costs of staying with the current lender versus remortgaging.