What happens when a shared ownership leaseholder passes away

When the property is solely owned, it doesn’t automatically pass to anyone else. Instead, it will be transferred to the deceased owner’s beneficiaries named in their Will or according to the rules of intestacy.

To initiate this process, please send us an original or certified copy of the Death Certificate so we can update our records accordingly. To deal with the deceased’s estate, an Executor or Administrator must be appointed based on whether there is a Will or not. It’s recommended to appoint a solicitor who can guide you through the necessary documentation to transfer the
property to the beneficiary’s name.

If the property is owned jointly, there are two scenarios to consider based on the type of joint ownership:

Joint Tenants: In this case, the survivorship rule applies, meaning the property automatically passes to the surviving owner(s). Please provide us with an original or certified copy of the Death Certificate to update our records accordingly. You may also need to update the Land Registry Title.

Tenants in Common: Here, the property doesn’t automatically pass to the surviving owner(s). Instead, it will be transferred to the deceased owner’s beneficiaries named in their Will or according to the rules of intestacy.

To proceed with the transfer, an Executor or Administrator should be appointed, and a solicitor can assist in completing the necessary documentation.

The shared ownership lease allows for the property to be transferred to any beneficiary entitled to it, regardless of whether they meet the shared ownership eligibility criteria. The beneficiary will assume the role of the deceased shared owner, responsible for shared
ownership rent and service charges.

If the beneficiary is a minor, the property cannot be transferred directly into their name. However, it can be transferred to a Trust that will manage the property on behalf of the minor. It’s advised to seek legal advice in this situation.

Any rent and service charge associated with the property continue to apply and accrue. If the property is transferred to a beneficiary, they become responsible for these payments. Arrears, if any, must be settled by the beneficiary or from the Estate of the deceased shared owner. If the property is to be sold, the arrears need to be cleared before the completion of the sale.

If the beneficiary decides to sell the property, they must adhere to the shared ownership provisions in the lease. We may have an opportunity to find a buyer for the property during a set period. If not, the beneficiary can sell the property on the open market. Please keep us informed if you plan to sell, and we will guide you through the process.