Gifting a Property: Do You Need an ID1 Form?

Giving a property to a family member is one of the most common reasons people come to us. Because no money changes hands, it can feel like a simpler process than a sale. So it often is — but HM Land Registry still needs proof that everyone involved is who they say they are.

What counts as gifting a property?

A gift is any transfer where the owner does not receive payment in return. Because you are still changing legal ownership, the transfer still uses a TR1 form, with the consideration panel marked as a gift rather than a price. So the paperwork is very similar to a sale — it’s the identity and tax considerations that differ.

Do you need an ID1 form to gift a property?

If a solicitor is handling the transfer for everyone involved, they verify identity as part of their service, so you will not need a separate ID1. But if you are managing the gift yourselves, whoever is not represented by a solicitor will need to complete an ID1. If the property has a mortgage, you will also need your lender’s written consent before the gift can go ahead.

Each ID1 verification is a fixed £79 per person, which includes the ID5 video verification — so if both the person gifting and the person receiving need to be verified, that’s two separate appointments. See our pricing page for the full breakdown, or read more about our ID1 verification service.

What about tax?

Gifting a property can have inheritance tax and capital gains tax implications, so it is worth speaking to an accountant or solicitor before you proceed. Because we handle identity verification only, we are not able to advise on tax — but we are happy to point you toward the right kind of professional if you need one.

What you’ll need for your appointment

• Valid photo ID — passport, UK driving licence, or biometric residence permit
• Proof of address dated within the last 3 months
• The title number and property address for the gift

As with any ID1, Section A and Section C must be signed no more than three months before you lodge your application. So it is worth timing your appointment close to when you plan to submit.

Common questions

How much does it cost if both the giver and receiver need to be verified?

Each verification is £79, so if both the person gifting the property and the person receiving it need an ID1, that’s two separate £79 appointments — each including the ID5 video verification.

Do I need a solicitor to gift a property?

Not for the ID1 itself. But gifting can have inheritance tax and capital gains tax implications, so it’s worth speaking to an accountant or solicitor about those separately.

Does gifting a mortgaged property need lender consent?

Yes. So if the property has a mortgage, you will need your lender’s written consent before the gift can go ahead.

Is gifting a property the same paperwork as selling it?

Largely, yes. The transfer still uses a TR1 form, just with the consideration panel marked as a gift rather than a price — it’s the identity and tax considerations that differ, not the core paperwork.

How your video verification works

1. Book a time. Book online now and pay securely, or message us on WhatsApp first if you have a question — same-day, evening and weekend appointments are often available.
2. Verify by video call. Then a solicitor checks your ID on a short, secure call. This is the ID5 process.
3. Get your forms. So your signed, stamped ID1 and ID5 are sent to you the same day.
4. Send to Land Registry. Then submit your ID1 and ID5 alongside your TR1 and AP1 forms.