DECLARATION OF TRUST
When there is property joint ownership, a residential conveyancing solicitor such as George Ide LLP, should be consulted in order to draw up a deed known as a declaration of trust so that it is clear where financial and legal responsibilities lie.
With the cost of buying a home being so high, especially in Chichester and other areas of West Sussex, putting down a deposit and making a regular mortgage payment is beyond the budgets of many individuals, but may be possible if another person or people have a stake in the property.
The joint ownership of a home can be between an unmarried couple, family members, friends or business acquaintances, so the document should state who has made financial or other contributions when the property has been bought and what will happen if one of the parties wishes to withdraw from the agreement or dies.
As well as the percentage value of the home to which each person is entitled, a declaration of trust should also set out how outgoings for the ownership will be met: mortgage, repairs, insurance etc.
It may also be useful for a declaration of trust to be drawn up if someone, such as a parent, puts money into a property – paying for the mortgage directly or indirectly, financing an extension etc, – in order to make their involvement clear.
George Ide LLP’s professional residential conveyancing team is part of a comprehensive legal practice so that if issues relating to other aspects of the law arise as a result of a client’s home ownership, advice will be available from another of our experts.
Buying your own home is a major commitment but with George Ide on your side you can be sure your interests will be protected.
For more information about declaration of trusts and other residential conveyancing services for private clients, please contact George Ide’s office in Chichester. Alternatively to contact a member of the team please use the solicitor profiles on this page.
George Ide LLP. We're on your sideContact Our Team
For further information about any of our services or to book a no-obligation consultation, call us on 01243 786668 or email directly at info@georgeide.co.uk.

Client Testimonials
Nicholas Smith was highly professional, focused and responsive. He worked to a very tight timetable to
complete the purchase of our house and I would strongly recommend him to prospective clients
Nick, Maddie and Sally were absolutely brilliant. Very approachable, efficient and worked very hard to get our matter completed very quickly. Will definitely recommend to friends/family. Thank you to all so much again.
It is hard to improve on an existing, excellent service and I have no suggestions to make. I will definitely recommend you and would use your services again.
Nick was at the very top of his game (again). If there is a better lawyer out there, I’ve yet to meet him. A giant amongst men. Respect.
Just a note to thank you both very much for your help during the sale of Betty’s apartment. I was pretty stressed about it all, especially after the first sale fell through. But your kindness and efficient follow-up on everything really helped me. I have total confidence in your services and would not hesitate to work with you again. Very best wishes.
Nick was always very quick to respond to any queries and made the whole process a lot less stressful, especially as it was my first property purchase. Guidance documentation was very helpful too. I can’t fault the service.
“Just a very quick, but nonetheless very sincere and heart-felt thanks on behalf of J and myself for your highly professional and sympathetic help in the house sale/purchase saga – you certainly saved our respective sanities on several occasions when your wise words proved to be the right course of action.”
Mr T
Nick, Sally and Maddie were excellent throughout the whole process. We are very happy with the service they provided.
Thank you very much for facilitating the sale of my house in Solva despite all the difficulties of me being in Portugal at the start, and the tardiness of the other solicitors.
It is great that all is completed and I am grateful for your cheerful help.
SH
The speed from offer to completion surprised everyone we spoke to and more than met our deadline to beat the June Stamp Duty deadline. Well done, absolutely delighted.
An outstanding week – thanks for the speed and efficiency on the two deals you’ve acted on. I just wish all solicitors were as proactive as you.
It doesn’t get much better than this.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank you and your team for your friendly and efficient manner when carrying out the conveyancing of my late Grandmothers property. Other than the delays caused by our buyers it went very smoothly and I am grateful to you for pushing it through so quickly once their issues had been resolved and have pleasure to attach our client satisfaction questionnaire. Kind regards
Contact Our Friendly Legal Experts Today
For general enquiries or to discuss more specific needs in personal or commercial law please get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.
Latest News
Mediation: it pays to talk
What Is Vicarious Liability? 2025 Update
How to Contest a Will: Everything You Need to Know
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – Are you ready for MTD?
All You Need to Know About Contentious Probate