"Yes we hold house jointly and are giving both our shares (of land and house) to each other for free. However I have been told tax is still due!!"
Its not that its for free - its to do with what is market value.
House : 340,000.00
less mortgage: 210,000.00
Equity in house ( how much you'd pocket if selling) 130,000.00
Divde in two: your gf is giving you a gift of 65000.00. You are stangers in blood, you pay gift tax. There won't be any stamp duty. Should'nt be any CGT - if its principal private residence
Site: 70,000.00. Half of that is 35000.00. You are giving your gf a gift of 35,000.00. You are stangers in blood, she pays gift tax. There will be stamp duty of 3% on the interest passing : 35,000.00. There has been a Capital Gain , you are disposing and you are liable for CGT.
mf