Declaration of Trust: What is it and why might you need one?

When embarking on joint property ownership, ensuring clarity between all parties involved is paramount. Misunderstandings and disagreements can lead to unnecessary complications down the line. One crucial legal instrument that can prevent such issues is the Declaration of Trust. This legally binding document precisely outlines each party’s shares, rights, and obligations, providing a solid foundation for any property partnership.

Let’s explore this important concept in detail.

Understanding the Declaration of Trust

The Declaration of Trust, also known as a Deed of Trust, sets the stage for smooth property co-ownership. It is a document that meticulously details each party’s stake in the property, rights to rental income, and responsibilities regarding costs and maintenance. It’s tailored to the unique conditions of each co-ownership and aims to safeguard all parties’ interests. This precise definition of terms and conditions can significantly mitigate future disagreements.

Necessity of a Declaration of Trust

A Declaration of Trust can serve an essential role in a variety of scenarios:

• Non-mortgagees in residence: If you are living with someone who owns a home, but your name isn’t on the mortgage, you’re likely to contribute towards the mortgage repayments or household bills. A Declaration of Trust can secure your beneficial interest in the property, protecting your investment.
• The Bank of Mum and Dad: As property markets continue to toughen, prospective buyers are increasingly reliant on financial gifts from family members. A Declaration of Trust can ensure the protection of such gifts. It stipulates that, in the event of a property sale, the gifted amount is returned to the benefactor.

These are just a couple of examples. There are many other circumstances where a Declaration of Trust could provide critical legal safeguards.

The Breadth of a Declaration of Trust

A well-drafted Declaration of Trust can comprehensively cover numerous aspects of property ownership, including:

• Initial contribution to the purchase price,

• Contribution to mortgage repayments,

• Legal costs, expenses, and disbursements,

• Contribution to Stamp Duty Land Tax,

• Additional purchase-related costs (e.g. removal fees),

• Allocation of sale proceeds to each co-owner in case of surplus,

• Deficit contributions after a sale,

• Maintenance and utility charges responsibility,

• Costs of property improvements,

• Share of rental income,

• Sale arrangements for the property.

By addressing these factors, the Declaration of Trust provides a comprehensive roadmap for managing property co-ownership.

The Versatility of a Declaration of Trust

Beyond its role in establishing clear lines in property ownership, the Declaration of Trust can be a versatile tool for numerous other scenarios. For instance, it can protect investments made into a property by a third party, such as a friend or relative. It can also establish the rights of beneficiaries in trust properties. It can be used to determine the distribution of income from a rental property or to set forth the procedure in case a party wants to exit the ownership.

The Declaration of Trust, in essence, is a powerful tool in property and contract law, providing clarity, security, and fairness to all involved parties. Its flexibility allows it to be tailored to a wide variety of circumstances, making it a crucial instrument in the property ownership toolkit.

The bottom line

A Declaration of Trust is a useful legal tool that can protect your interests and give you peace of mind.

For more information or help setting up your own Declaration of Trust, contact our will solicitors today. Our expert solicitors will help you protect your assets and ensure you’re treated fairly.

You can contact call us on 0161 930 5151 email us at willsteam@gorvins.com or complete the online contact form.