A property trust is a way of letting someone benefit from your property after you’ve died, without them actually owning it. The trust document will set out how you would like the property to be managed, who will ultimately benefit, and who is in control of the property. It means for example, that your surviving spouse or civil partner could continue to live in your shared home, and when they die, your share of the property will pass on to your beneficiaries – even if your spouse or civil partner’s share does not. A property trust not only gives you control over your share, but also provides flexibility for your spouse or partner. Perhaps they would like to move from that property to relocate, downsize or move into residential care in the future. With a property trust you can include a provision that enables them to benefit from the property trust for the rest of their life – so the property could be rented or sold and the funds invested, and your spouse or partner would be entitled to the rent or investment income. If you’ve remarried and have children from a previous relationship, or your partner remarries after you die, a property trust will protect against your share of the property transferring to a spouse's new family, instead of passing on to your children. To find out how a property trust could protect your property, book a call with a will specialist.