The only thing I can think of is whether it would alter matters with the council taking the equity into account if you had an exclusive right of residence in the house- you'd also have to have the okay from your bank before doing this. I'd say it's a long shot realistically. And even at she would still be joint mortgagee. She can't or shouldnt transfer the house into your sole name because a. the bank won't let her while you can't get a new mortgage in your sole name and b. she should safeguard her equity. And even if she were to transfer the house into your sole name and remain on the mortgage that would still count against her in the affordable scheme I presume in terms of her ability to repay. Only way out is for you to become eligible to remortgage on your own account or for the mortgage to be paid off in full and then see about either a transfer into your sole name or the possible exclusive right of residence type scenario. Although it wouldnt be secure from her point of view, you could sell, downsize with no mortgage and put it in your sole name. Were you married? Because if not you'll also have to take into account possible gift tax and stamp duty implications.