How to Transfer Ownership of a House Without Selling

There are many reasons you might want to know how to transfer ownership of a house without selling it on the market. Maybe you’re helping a family member, managing your estate, or settling a legal matter like a divorce.

The good news is that transferring ownership doesn’t have to be complicated if you understand the steps involved. From choosing the right type of deed to ensuring all paperwork is properly recorded, this easy-scan guide offers helpful insights on how to complete the transfer as smoothly as possible.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

Get Estimate

Reasons to transfer ownership of a house without selling

Here are some common reasons property owners might choose to transfer ownership of a house without selling:

• Gifting the house to a family member: You may want to help a loved one by transferring ownership to them outright as a gift.
• Dividing assets in a divorce: Ownership transfers are often necessary to fairly distribute property during divorce proceedings.
• Estate planning (will or trust): You can use a transfer to include your home in an estate plan, ensuring it goes to your heirs seamlessly.
• As financial support (charity): Transferring ownership to a charitable organization can align with philanthropic goals while benefiting the community.
• Other creative ownership arrangements: Unique situations, such as joint ownership agreements after marriage or family partnerships, may require a transfer.

How to transfer ownership of a house without selling

1. Select the type of deed you will use

Choosing the right type of deed is important when transferring ownership of your house. A deed is a legal document that outlines the transfer of property ownership from one party to another. The most common types used for non-sale transfers include:

• General warranty deed: Provides the most protection for the recipient, guaranteeing that the property is free from any past claims or liens.
• Special warranty deed: Offers limited guarantees, ensuring that the property is free of claims only during the current owner’s time of ownership.
• Quitclaim deed: Transfers ownership with no guarantees or warranties about the property’s title status, making it common for transfers between trusted parties, like family members.