Your Comprehensive Guide to Changing Your Title with Nationwide
Changing your "title" can refer to a few different things, especially when dealing with a large financial institution like Nationwide. It could mean:
- Changing your personal title: (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr., etc.) on your bank accounts, savings, and possibly even your mortgage.
- Changing the title deeds of a property: This refers to the legal ownership of a property, which is a far more complex process and usually involves solicitors and the Land Registry.
This guide will cover both scenarios, with a particular focus on how to navigate these changes with Nationwide Building Society. Get ready to embark on a journey to update your records and ensure everything is accurate and legal!
Step 1: Let's Clarify What "Changing Title" Means for You!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's make sure we're on the same page. When you say "change title Nationwide," what exactly are you looking to achieve?
- Are you simply looking to update your personal salutation (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) on your accounts due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference?
- Or are you aiming to alter the legal ownership of a property recorded on the title deeds, perhaps due to a sale, gift, inheritance, or adding/removing a joint owner?
Understanding this distinction is absolutely crucial, as the processes involved are vastly different. Take a moment to consider your specific situation.
Step 2: Changing Your Personal Title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.) with Nationwide
If you're simply looking to update your personal salutation on your Nationwide accounts, this is generally a straightforward process. Nationwide is quite accommodating with these changes.
Sub-heading: Why Would You Change Your Personal Title?
- Marriage: Moving from Miss/Ms. to Mrs.
- Divorce or Separation: Reverting to a maiden name or a different title.
- Personal Preference: Deciding to use Ms. instead of Miss or Mrs., or perhaps Dr. if you've recently earned a doctorate.
- Gender Reassignment: Updating your title to reflect your affirmed gender.
Sub-heading: The Nationwide Process for Personal Title Changes
Nationwide offers a few convenient ways to update your personal title:
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Visit a Branch (Recommended for Simplicity):
- What to bring: While Nationwide states they often don't need proof of ID for a title change in branch, it's always best practice to bring a valid form of identification (passport, driving license) just in case. If your name has also changed (e.g., due to marriage or deed poll), you will definitely need to bring proof of this change (e.g., marriage certificate, deed poll document).
- The process: Simply explain to a staff member at the counter that you wish to update your title. They will guide you through filling out any necessary forms (such as their "Change of Name" form, which also covers title changes) and update your records directly. This is often the quickest and most hassle-free method.
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By Post (Requires a Form):
- Obtain the form: You'll need to fill out Nationwide's "Change of name" form (IF12). This form is typically available on their website or by requesting it from a branch.
- Complete the form: Fill in all required details, including your old and new title, and provide the reason for the change.
- Provide documentation: Depending on the reason for your title change, you'll need to enclose supporting documents:
- Marriage/Civil Partnership: Marriage/Civil Partnership certificate.
- Divorce/Dissolved Civil Partnership: Decree Absolute/Dissolution Order.
- Deed Poll/Statutory Declaration: Your official Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration document.
- Other reasons: You'll need to specify the reason and may be asked for relevant supporting evidence.
- Send it off: Post the completed form and copies of your supporting documents to the address provided on the form. It's advisable to send important documents via recorded delivery.
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Online/App (Limited Scope):
- While Nationwide's online banking and app allow you to manage many aspects of your accounts (like contact details), directly changing your official title (Mr., Mrs., etc.) isn't typically an online self-service option. You might be able to change your personal greeting on the app, but this isn't the same as an official title change on your core records. For official changes, a branch visit or postal application is usually required.
Important Considerations for Personal Title Changes:
- Consistency is Key: Once your title is updated with Nationwide, remember to update it with other financial institutions, utility providers, and government bodies to ensure consistency across all your records.
- New Cards/Chequebooks: If your title change affects the name printed on your cards or chequebooks (e.g., if you've gone from Miss Jane Smith to Mrs. Jane Doe), new ones will be issued automatically where applicable. Your existing PINs will usually continue to work.
Step 3: Changing Property Title Deeds (Legal Ownership) with Nationwide
This is a significantly more complex process than changing a personal title, as it involves the legal transfer of property ownership. Nationwide, as a mortgage lender, will have an interest in your property's title deeds if you have a mortgage with them. However, they do not directly handle the change of ownership on the title deeds themselves. This is the responsibility of the Land Registry in the UK (or the Land Register of Scotland/Land Registry for Northern Ireland, depending on your location) and typically requires the involvement of a solicitor or conveyancer.
Sub-heading: Common Scenarios for Changing Property Title Deeds
- Buying or Selling a Property: The most common reason for a title deed change.
- Transfer of Equity: Adding or removing a joint owner (e.g., a new partner moving in, or a divorce settlement).
- Gifting a Property: Transferring ownership to another individual as a gift.
- Inheritance: Transferring ownership after the death of a property owner.
- Remortgaging: While not a direct title change, remortgaging involves dealing with the existing charge on the property and registering a new one, which a solicitor handles with the Land Registry.
Sub-heading: The Role of Nationwide in Property Title Deed Changes
Nationwide's involvement primarily relates to their mortgage charge on the property. If you have a mortgage with them, they will need to be involved in any change to the title deeds to ensure their interest is protected.
- They hold the "Charge": If you have a mortgage, Nationwide will have a legal charge registered against your property at the Land Registry. This means they have a right over the property until the mortgage is repaid.
- "Request for Title Deed" Form: Nationwide has a "Request for Title Deed" form on their website, primarily for solicitors. This is used when a solicitor needs to access the deeds (or information about the charge) for a transaction like a sale, remortgage, or transfer of equity.
- Consent Required: For significant changes to the title deeds, such as adding or removing an owner, Nationwide's consent will be required if you have an outstanding mortgage with them. Your solicitor will handle this communication. They will need to ensure the new ownership structure still meets their lending criteria.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Property Title Deeds
This process always involves legal professionals and the Land Registry.
Step 3.1: Identify the Reason for the Change
- Why are you changing ownership? Is it a sale, a gift, inheritance, or adding/removing a co-owner? The specific reason will dictate the legal documents and steps required.
Step 3.2: Engage a Qualified Solicitor or Conveyancer
- This is the most critical step. Do not attempt to change property title deeds yourself, especially if there's a mortgage involved. A solicitor or conveyancer specializes in property law and will ensure the process is legally sound and that Nationwide's requirements are met.
- What your solicitor will do:
- Advise you on the best legal mechanism for your specific title change (e.g., Transfer of Equity, Deed of Gift, Probate).
- Prepare all necessary legal documents, such as a Transfer Deed (TR1 form for England and Wales).
- Liaise with Nationwide (if you have a mortgage) to obtain their consent for the title change. They will ensure Nationwide's charge is correctly handled.
- Handle the Land Registry application to register the new ownership.
- Advise on Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) implications, as even transfers of equity or gifts can have tax consequences.
Step 3.3: Gathering Necessary Documentation
- Your solicitor will tell you exactly what you need, but common documents include:
- Proof of Identity and Address for all parties involved (passports, driving licenses, utility bills).
- Original Title Deeds (if they are still in paper format, though most are now electronic with the Land Registry).
- Mortgage Account Details (if applicable).
- Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Death Certificate (as relevant to the reason for the change).
- Deed of Gift (if gifting property).
- Grant of Probate/Letters of Administration (for inherited property).
Step 3.4: Solicitor Prepares and Submits Documents
- Your solicitor will draft the required legal documents, ensure they are correctly signed by all parties, and then submit them to the Land Registry.
- Nationwide's Charge: If there's a Nationwide mortgage, the solicitor will ensure that the Land Registry registers the new ownership while either retaining Nationwide's existing charge or, in cases of remortgaging, registering a new charge on behalf of Nationwide or a new lender.
Step 3.5: Land Registry Processes the Change
- The Land Registry will review the submitted documents and, if everything is in order, update the official register to reflect the new ownership.
- This can take some time, especially if there are complexities or a backlog at the Land Registry.
Step 3.6: Confirmation of New Title
- Once the Land Registry has completed the process, they will issue an updated title register showing the new owner(s). Your solicitor will provide you with a copy of this.
Important Considerations for Property Title Deed Changes:
- Legal Fees and Disbursements: Be prepared for solicitor's fees, Land Registry fees, and potentially Stamp Duty Land Tax. Your solicitor will provide a clear breakdown of these costs.
- Mortgage Implications: If you have a Nationwide mortgage and are adding or removing someone from the title, Nationwide will need to assess the financial viability of the change. This might involve credit checks on the remaining or new borrowers. They can refuse the transfer if they deem it too risky.
- Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants in Common: Your solicitor will explain the difference between these forms of joint ownership and help you choose the most appropriate one for your situation. This has implications for what happens to the property if one owner dies.
- Seek Financial Advice: For complex situations involving divorce, inheritance, or gifting, it's highly advisable to seek independent financial advice in addition to legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to changing titles with Nationwide, along with quick answers:
How to change my personal title (Mr., Mrs., Ms.) on my Nationwide accounts?
- Visit a Nationwide branch with ID (and proof of name change if applicable) or send their "Change of Name" form (IF12) by post with supporting documents.
How to change my title deeds after getting married and keeping my maiden name?
- If your name hasn't changed legally, your existing title deeds remain valid. You don't need to change them. However, if you want your personal title changed on accounts, follow the personal title change steps.
How to change my title deeds after a divorce when property is jointly owned?
- You will need to undertake a "Transfer of Equity," which requires engaging a solicitor. They will draft the necessary legal documents and liaise with Nationwide (if you have a mortgage) and the Land Registry.
How to change my title deeds after inheriting a property from a deceased relative?
- The executor of the will (or administrator if no will) will need to apply for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration). A solicitor will then handle the transfer of ownership to the beneficiaries at the Land Registry. Nationwide will need to be informed if they hold a mortgage on the property.
How to add someone to the title deeds of my Nationwide-mortgaged property?
- This is a "Transfer of Equity" and requires a solicitor. They will apply to the Land Registry to add the new owner and will need to obtain consent from Nationwide, who will assess the new financial arrangement.
How to remove someone from the title deeds of my Nationwide-mortgaged property?
- Also a "Transfer of Equity," this requires a solicitor. Nationwide's consent is crucial as they need to be sure the remaining borrower(s) can afford the mortgage independently.
How to get a copy of my property title deeds from Nationwide?
- Nationwide generally doesn't hold physical title deeds anymore, as most are electronic with the Land Registry. You can request a copy of your title register directly from the HM Land Registry website for a small fee. If your solicitor needs the charge details, they can request them from Nationwide via the "Request for Title Deed" form.
How to change my mortgage details with Nationwide if my name has changed?
- First, update your personal name/title on your Nationwide accounts (see Step 2). This will automatically update your mortgage records where applicable. For legal name changes, you'll need to provide supporting documents like a marriage certificate or deed poll.
How to transfer property ownership to a family member as a gift with Nationwide mortgage?
- This involves a "Deed of Gift" and a "Transfer of Equity." You must use a solicitor, who will obtain Nationwide's consent, prepare the legal documents, and register the change with the Land Registry. Stamp Duty Land Tax implications also need to be considered.
How to find a solicitor experienced in Nationwide mortgage title changes?
- You can search online for conveyancing solicitors in your area, ask Nationwide for a list of solicitors on their panel (if they offer this, though they usually don't recommend specific firms), or seek recommendations from friends/family. Ensure they are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC).
