How to Take Over a Joint Mortgage: What You Need to Know Before You Decide
If you share a mortgage with someone — such as a partner, family member, or friend — and one of you wants to move on, it’s natural to wonder if you can take over the joint mortgage on your own.
The short answer is yes — but there are important steps to follow, and lenders need to be sure you can manage the payments alone.
At Mortgage Bridge, we help clients every day who want to remove someone from a mortgage or transfer ownership after a breakup, divorce, or family change. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does “Taking Over a Joint Mortgage” Mean?
When you take over a joint mortgage, you’re asking the lender to remove one borrower’s name from the agreement — leaving you as the sole mortgage holder.
This process is known as a transfer of equity.
It’s not just a legal change — your lender must recheck your affordability, income, and credit history to make sure you can take on the full responsibility for the mortgage.
If approved, the other person is released from the mortgage and has no further liability for the loan.
When Might You Need to Take Over a Joint Mortgage?
There are several common situations where one person might want to take full ownership of a property:
- Separation or divorce – one partner wants to stay in the home and buy out the other’s share.
- Family property transfers – parents, siblings, or relatives changing ownership.
- Co-ownership changes – one buyer decides to take over after joint purchase.
- Death of a co-owner – where a surviving joint owner wants to transfer full ownership.
Each scenario involves slightly different steps, but the principle is the same: the lender must approve the transfer.
How Lenders Assess You When Taking Over a Joint Mortgage
When you apply to take over the mortgage, your lender treats it like a new application, even though you already live in the property.
They’ll look at:
- Your income and employment stability
- Credit history and payment record
- Existing debts and financial commitments
- The property’s current value and remaining mortgage balance
Lenders want to see that you can comfortably afford the full mortgage on your own, without relying on the other person’s income.
If your finances don’t meet affordability criteria, there are other options — such as adding a guarantor or remortgaging with a specialist lender.
What Steps Are Involved in Taking Over a Joint Mortgage?
Here’s how the process usually works:
1. Speak to Your Lender First
Contact your lender to explain your situation. They’ll confirm whether they allow a transfer of equity and outline their criteria.
2. Check Your Affordability
Your lender will ask for updated proof of income, bank statements, and credit checks to ensure you can handle repayments alone.
3. Get a Property Valuation
A valuation confirms the property’s current market value, which helps determine how much equity each party owns.
4. Agree on a Buyout Amount (if applicable)
If your co-owner has equity, you’ll need to arrange payment for their share — often through savings, a remortgage, or a new loan.
5. Instruct a Solicitor for the Legal Work
A solicitor handles the transfer deed, ensuring ownership changes are correctly registered with the Land Registry.
6. Complete the Transfer
Once your lender approves, legal documents are signed, funds exchanged (if relevant), and the mortgage officially moves into your name.
How Much Does It Cost to Take Over a Joint Mortgage?
The cost depends on your circumstances, but typically includes:
- Lender transfer fees: £200–£500
- Solicitor or conveyancing fees: £300–£700
- Valuation or survey fees (if required): £100–£400
- Stamp Duty Land Tax: only payable if you take on more than £250,000 in mortgage debt or equity share
If you’re remortgaging at the same time, some of these costs may be covered by your new lender’s incentives.
Can You Take Over a Joint Mortgage After a Divorce or Separation?
Yes — in fact, this is one of the most common reasons people look to take over a joint mortgage.
If you and your former partner own a property together, one of you can buy out the other’s share, provided the lender agrees and affordability checks are met.
Courts sometimes formalise this arrangement as part of a divorce financial order, ensuring both parties’ rights and responsibilities are clear.
If you’re separating amicably, the process can be straightforward — but always seek independent legal advice.
What If You Can’t Afford to Take Over the Mortgage Alone?
If your income isn’t quite enough, you still have several options:
- Add a guarantor: A family member or friend supports your application, strengthening affordability.
- Remortgage with a specialist lender: Some lenders are more flexible with income or credit profiles.
- Switch to a longer mortgage term: Reducing monthly payments can help balance affordability.
- Sell the property and split the proceeds: If neither party can take over, this may be the cleanest financial solution.
We cover this further in our guide on remortgaging after separation.
Will Taking Over a Joint Mortgage Affect Your Credit?
Taking full ownership can affect your credit profile — but usually in a positive way if managed well.
Once your co-owner’s name is removed, your credit report will no longer be financially linked. That means their future borrowing or credit issues won’t impact you.
Make sure you keep up all mortgage payments in your name to maintain and strengthen your credit score.
Real-Life Example: Buying Out a Partner After Separation
A client came to us after separating from their partner. They wanted to take over their joint mortgage to stay in the home with their children.
After reviewing their income and equity, we arranged a remortgage with a specialist lender who accepted 100% of their salary plus maintenance income.
They successfully took over the mortgage and removed their ex-partner from the title — without needing to sell the property.
Final Thoughts
Taking over a joint mortgage can be an emotional and financial decision — but with the right support, it’s entirely achievable.
Whether you’re separating from a partner, changing ownership, or simplifying your finances, the key is to understand how lenders assess affordability and prepare your application properly.
At Mortgage Bridge, we specialise in guiding clients through complex situations like transfers of equity and mortgage takeovers — with empathy, experience, and practical advice.
If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to help you take that next confident step.