A deed of variation lets beneficiaries redirect an inheritance within two years of death, treated for tax as if the deceased had written it that way. Used well, it can skip a generation, boost a charity gift to cut the IHT rate, or move an asset — but the wording and the tax elections have to be exactly right.
These guides cover what a deed of variation is and its strict conditions, the IHT and capital gains tax consequences shown with numbers, and the specific traps when you redirect inherited property — including the stamp duty trap and the Land Registry steps.
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General information only — not legal, tax or financial advice. Figures and allowances are illustrative and can change; always check current HMRC guidance at gov.uk and take advice on your own circumstances before acting.