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.
Head of Residential Property
Read Bio
Client Testimonials
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.
Mr. Philip Oliver
Nicholas Smith
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.
Mr C
Nicholas Smith
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
Nicholas Smith
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
Robert & Nathalie Forman
Nicholas Smith
“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
Nicholas Smith
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
Jon Sargent
Nicholas Smith
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.
Jonathan Kerr Crow
Nicholas Smith
Excellent service again – even better than last time. I was particularly impressed and grateful for the very speedy email communications; they were always prompt but also importantly, they were succinct. I was also pleased at the help given in distilling the important considerations and that Nick identified a major issue with the title very early on in the process.
Mike Smith
Nicholas Smith
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.
John Middleditch
Nicholas Smith
You have been a pleasure to deal with and have been so competent, patient, organised and professional. I still cannot believe how stress-free the whole procedure was with you. In stark contrast, I completed today on my house in N Ireland after five (!) months of legal wrangling. I am delighted with the house and, although still surrounded by packing boxes, am making progress. Once again. Thank you for all you did. Kind regards,
Elaine Young
Nicholas Smith
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.
Sandy
Nicholas Smith
Thank you for informing C that she has successfully exchanged on Bell Cottage.
Can I personally thank you for your prompt and excellent service. Your turn-around has been exemplary.
As a result we will be arranging power of attorney, and any other legal work in the future, through George Ide’s offices.
RB
Nicholas Smith
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
26th August 2026
Unmarried = Unprotected? Cohabitation rights are under review
19th January 2026
Mediation: it pays to talk
7th October 2025
What Is Vicarious Liability? 2025 Update
21st May 2025
How to Contest a Will: Everything You Need to Know
29th April 2025
