Remortgaging and transfer of equity after divorce or separation
Understanding your situation
If you're keeping the home
You might be buying out your ex-partner’s share or remortgaging into your sole name. We’ll look at your income, outgoings and any maintenance you pay or receive, to assess affordability fairly.
Your solicitor will be able to explain what consent or legal steps may be needed where both names are still on the title or mortgage.
If you’re moving on
If you’re selling up and buying elsewhere, we’ll help you understand how much you might be able to borrow, how your deposit and equity work, and what a realistic monthly payment looks like.
We take a human approach when income or living costs have changed recently, taking into account things like regular overtime, NHS bank hours, and other variable income.
Common scenarios we can help with
Transfer of equity: working with your solicitor to remove your ex-partner from the mortgage and title deeds
Buying out a partner’s share after a settlement
Selling and purchasing a new home post-separation
Remortgaging to reduce repayments or secure a new rate
Transfer of equity after separation
When one partner stays in the home, the usual route is a transfer of equity. This means removing one name from the property title and, in most cases, remortgaging into sole name at the same time.
The two processes run together: your solicitor handles the legal transfer with the Land Registry, while we handle the mortgage side. We need to be satisfied you can meet the repayments on your own — and we’ll look at the full picture, including maintenance payments you receive or pay, overtime, and other variable income.
If your ex-partner’s name is still on the title deeds, we’ll work alongside your solicitor to make sure both sides complete at the same time.
How we could help
Human decisions
No arrangement fees
Overtime hours
Rent-a-room income
How it works
Let's talk
Decision in principle
Homebuying process
Completion
Why choose London Mutual?
Member-owned – a financial co-operative run for the benefit of our 42,397 members, not for profit.
Community roots – serving our communities in South London and beyond for over 40 years
Workplace partnerships – saving and borrowing direct from pay with the NHS, armed forces & public sector
Safe & regulated – Authorised by the FCA, with members’ savings protected up to £120,000.
Next steps
Book a call with a mortgage advisor
Get a decision in principle
Common questions about remortgaging or transferring equity after divorcing
Can I remortgage in my own name after divorce or separation?
Yes, provided you can afford the repayments on your own. We’ll assess your income, outgoings, and any maintenance you pay or receive. If your ex-partner is still on the title, we’ll work with your solicitor to identify what legal steps are needed.
Do you take maintenance payments into account?
Yes. Regular child or spousal maintenance you receive can help with affordability, while payments you make are factored in as commitments. We’ll take a fair, balanced view based on your overall finances.
Can lodger or Rent-a-Room income be included?
Yes, we can include realistic anticipated income from a lodger or room rental where there’s evidence such as local market rates, a tenancy history, or a draft lodger agreement.
Do you count overtime, bank or agency hours?
We can consider variable income such as overtime or agency shifts, based on your average earnings over the past 12 months. This helps give a fair and realistic picture of your affordability.
Are there any arrangement fees or hidden charges?
No — we don’t charge arrangement or early repayment fees. You’ll always see the full cost up front, so there are no surprises later on.
Can I apply if my name isn’t on the deeds yet?
Yes. If the property is currently in joint names, we can work with your solicitor to complete a transfer of equity alongside the remortgage.
How long does the remortgage process take?
Timeframes vary depending on your circumstances and any legal work involved, but remortgages can sometimes complete in as little as 6–10 weeks. We’ll work with your solicitor to keep you updated every step of the way.
What is a transfer of equity and do I need one after divorce?
A transfer of equity is the legal process of changing who owns a property, usually removing one person from the title deeds. After separation, if one of you is staying in the home, you’ll almost certainly need one. It usually happens at the same time as a remortgage into sole name: your solicitor handles the ownership side and we handle the mortgage.