Gifting Property in the UK | 2026 Deed of Gift Costs Explained

If you're planning to transfer property ownership, such as a house or piece of land, to a loved one, a Deed of Gift provides a legally binding way to do it with no exchange of money. Whether you're gifting Property to a child, partner, or relative, it's essential to understand the legal, financial, and practical implications of this decision in 2026.

 This guide explains what a Deed of Gift involves, how much it typically costs, and how you can complete the process quickly and securely with Property Swift.

 

A Deed of Gift is a legal document that transfers full ownership of a property from one person (the donor) to another (the recipient) without any payment. It is commonly used for gifting a home, land, or other real estate within families.
 
Once a Deed of Gift is correctly drafted, signed, and registered with HM Land Registry, the transfer is not only permanent and enforceable but also provides a sense of security and confidence that the decision cannot be reversed.

 

In 2026, we're witnessing a growing trend of families turning to property gifting as part of inheritance planning or to support children during their lifetime. With rising property values, gifting can be a way to pass on value early, while also managing future tax exposure. This information puts you at the forefront of a growing practice.
 
However, a Deed of Gift must be handled with care to avoid legal or financial issues. That's where services like Property Swift come in: we provide a digital, solicitor-backed process that eliminates paperwork, in-person appointments, and confusion. Our role is to guide you through the process, ensure all legal requirements are met, and handle the necessary paperwork, making the process of gifting property as smooth and stress-free as possible.

When gifting land or a house, a legally valid deed should include:
• Full legal names and UK addresses of both parties
• A clear statement confirming the transfer is a gift
• A description of the Property being transferred
• Witnessed signatures
• Confirmation that the Property is free of dispute
• ID verification for all parties
• Submission and registration with the HM Land Registry
 
Once completed, the recipient becomes the legal owner of the Property.

 

The total cost of a property gift depends on several factors, including the complexity of the transfer and whether legal professionals are involved in the transaction.

 

⚠️ These figures vary based on the complexity of the Property and whether you're using a traditional solicitor or a digital-first service like Property Swift, where fixed-fee pricing offers greater clarity and convenience.

 

While it's not a legal requirement to use a solicitor, gifting a property involves profound implications. Most people opt for professional help to avoid:

 

• Improper documentation
• Delays with the Land Registry
• Missed obligations
• Legal challenges or reversals
 
With Property Swift, your transfer is handled by qualified legal professionals who guide the process from start to finish—entirely online.

 

DIY deed templates exist, but they often:
• Miss HM Land Registry requirements
• Increase the risk of disputes
• Don't address relevant financial or tax triggers
 
🔒 Property Swift removes those risks by managing everything securely, from ID checks to final submission.

 

 

If the Property has increased in value and it's not your main home, Capital Gains Tax may apply, even when gifting it. This typically applies to second homes, rental properties, or inherited land.
 
💡 While Property Swift doesn't handle tax calculations, we ensure the legal side is done correctly and can flag when it may be worth seeking independent advice.

SDLT is not usually payable when a property is gifted outright. However, if there's an outstanding mortgage and the recipient takes over the debt, SDLT may be due based on that loan amount.
 
💡 We'll help identify when SDLT might apply during the transfer process, so you can seek advice if needed.

 

• With a legal professional (like Property Swift): 2 to 6 weeks
• DIY: Potentially faster, but far more prone to errors or rejection
 
Our team ensures everything is handled efficiently, with regular updates along the way.

Gifting a home or land to someone you care about can be one of the most meaningful things you do. But in 2025, it's vital to get the process right, both to avoid legal issues and to ensure your intentions are honoured.
 
Property Swift offers a reliable, digital-first solution to help you transfer ownership without stress, delays, or jargon. We handle the legal work, so you can gift with confidence, wherever you are in the world.

 

Start your secure Deed of Gift transfer with Property Swift today.

👉 [Get Started with Your Property Gift Transfer]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. What is a Deed of Gift for property in the UK?

A Deed of Gift is a legal document that transfers property ownership from one person to another without payment. Once signed, witnessed, and registered with HM Land Registry, the transfer is permanent and legally binding.

2. How much does a Deed of Gift cost in the UK in 2026?

The cost of a Deed of Gift in 2026 depends on the complexity of the property and whether professional support is used. Digital fixed-fee services typically offer clearer pricing than traditional solicitors.

3. Do I need a solicitor to gift property in the UK?

No, using a solicitor is not legally required. However, professional assistance is strongly recommended to ensure the deed meets HM Land Registry requirements and avoids delays or rejection.

4. Is Stamp Duty payable when gifting property?

Stamp Duty Land Tax is not payable when a property is gifted outright with no mortgage. If the recipient takes over an existing mortgage, SDLT may apply to the value of the debt transferred.

5. Do you pay Capital Gains Tax on a gifted property?

Capital Gains Tax may apply if the property is not the donor’s main residence. HMRC treats a gifted property as being sold at market value for CGT purposes.

6. How long does a Deed of Gift property transfer take?

With professional support, most Deed of Gift transfers are complete within 2 to 6 weeks. DIY transfers can take longer due to errors or Land Registry queries.