Property Protection Trusts
Safeguard your loved ones’ inheritance with a Property Protection Trust.
A Property Protection Trust secures half of your estate if one partner passes away and the other needs care later on, to ensure your loved ones still receive a meaningful inheritance.
Property Protection Trusts explained
A Property Protection Trust is a legal arrangement that protects your share of the family home and ensures it passes to your chosen beneficiaries, even if your circumstances change after you’re gone.
Here's the situation it's designed for
You and your partner own your home together. When the first of you dies, their share of the property passes to the surviving partner – as most couples would expect. But what happens next is where things can go wrong.
If the surviving partner needs to move
into residential care the full value of the home could be used to fund those care costs. If they remarry, your share of the property could end up somewhere you never intended.
A Property Protection Trust changes that
You and your partner own your home together. When the first of you dies, their share of the property passes to the surviving partner – as most couples would expect. But what happens next is where things can go wrong.
We'll take the time to understand
your circumstances and explain clearly whether a Property Protection Trust is right for you. If it is, we’ll guide you through setting one up properly, so you can feel confident your family’s future is secure.
How much does it cost to make a Property Protection Trust?
NHS workers past and present (inc. both Wills and tenancy split)
Standard (inc. both Wills and tenancy split)
Four steps to complete your Property Protection Trust
Four simple steps to secure half your estate and protect your loved ones’ inheritance. Here’s what happens:
Book your consultation
We start with a relaxed conversation to find out whether a Property Protection Trust is right for you. We’ll look at how your property is owned, your family circumstances, and whether you already have a Will. There’s no pressure; if a PPT isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you honestly.
We prepare your documents
If a PPT is right for you, we’ll prepare everything you need: the trust deed itself, and a new Will for each of you. These two documents work together, so it’s important they’re drafted at the same time – which is exactly how we do it.
Signing everything correctly
We’ll arrange a time to walk you through the signing process. Both partners will need to sign their Wills and the trust deed in front of independent witnesses – we’ll make sure you know exactly what to do so everything is legally watertight.
Registering the trust at the Land Registry
The step that makes everything official. To activate your Property Protection Trust, your property’s ownership needs to be updated at HM Land Registry, changing from ‘joint tenants’ to ‘tenants in common’. Without this step, the trust won’t work. We make sure it’s done properly, so you can be confident your protection is firmly in place.
Complete the simple form and we’ll be in touch to arrange your consultation
Or contact us directly
What our clients say...
We’ve helped thousands of clients throughout England and Wales plan for the future and gain security for their loved ones. With more than 150 verified Trustpilot reviews and a 5-star rating, we’re proud to know we’ve helped so many people find peace of mind.
“The whole process has been made easy for me, everyone I have dealt with has made me feel like no question was silly and even responded to by email and also telephone call when needed…you have been very helpful, understanding and professional, thank you.”
“Would highly recommend this service. Dan was first class, very knowledgeable and his communication during the telephone conversation was clear and everything relevant was discussed and included in our will package…The service was seamless”
“Their knowledge and information were second to none and both very pleasant. I would highly recommend this company to my friends and family. Fabulous service from start to finish, nothing was too much trouble. Well done guys and thank you very much.”
EverTrust Property Protection Trust | FAQs
Who should have a Property Protection Trust in place?
A PPT is worth considering if you and your partner jointly own your home and want to protect at least half of its value for your beneficiaries. It’s particularly relevant if you’re concerned about care home fees, if you have children from a previous relationship who you want to ensure inherit your share, or if you simply want greater certainty over what happens to your property in the future.
How does a Property Protection Trust work?
When the first partner of a couple dies, instead of their share of the property passing directly to the surviving partner, it goes into a Life Interest Trust. This protects that share from being assessed as an asset if the surviving partner later needs long-term care.
The surviving partner retains the right to continue living in the property, and may also have the option to rent it out and receive the income, depending on how the trust is set up. When the surviving partner eventually dies, the protected share passes to the named beneficiaries.
Does a Property Protection Trust protect the whole home from care fees?
No, it only protects your share of the property. If the surviving partner requires long-term care, only their share of the property will be assessed for care costs. Your share, held within the trust, is protected. It’s important to understand that a PPT does not shield the entire property from care fees or other financial assessments.
Can the surviving partner sell the property?
Yes. With the agreement of the trustees, the property can be sold – for example, if the surviving partner wishes to downsize. The proceeds are divided according to ownership shares: the surviving partner receives their portion, while the deceased partner’s share remains under the control of the trust. If a new, smaller property is purchased, it becomes subject to the same trust protections.
Can the surviving partner be forced to leave the property by the trustees?
No, the trust gives the surviving partner a legal right to remain living in the property for as long as they choose. This arrangement is specifically structured to protect the surviving partner’s interests, not to put them at risk.
Is a Property Protection Trust only suitable for older people?
Not at all. While many people associate property protection planning with later life, a PPT can benefit homeowners of any age. In fact, it’s worth setting one up sooner rather than later, as a PPT can only be created while both partners are still alive, so it cannot be arranged retrospectively after one partner has died.
