| Joint tenants | Tenants in common | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership shares | Equal (always 50/50) | Can be unequal (e.g. 70/30) |
| If one owner dies | Share passes automatically to co-owner | Share passes via the will |
| Can you sell your share? | Not independently | Yes, independently |
| Best suited to | Married couples | Friends, family, or unequal contributions |
As joint tenants, you both own the whole property together. There are no separate shares. The key feature is the right of survivorship: if one of you dies, their interest passes automatically to the other, regardless of what their will says.
This is the most common arrangement for married couples and civil partners. It is simple and ensures the surviving partner keeps the home without the need for probate.
As tenants in common, you each own a defined share of the property. The shares do not have to be equal. For example, if one person contributed a larger deposit, you might agree to a 60/40 or 70/30 split.
Your share is yours to deal with as you wish. You can leave it to whoever you like in your will. This is important for people who want to protect their share for children from a previous relationship, or for friends buying together who want a clear division.
Yes. You can switch from joint tenants to tenants in common (this is called severance of the joint tenancy) by serving a notice on the other owner. Going the other way, from tenants in common to joint tenants, requires both parties to agree and your solicitor to update the Land Registry records. There is usually a small legal cost involved.
Buying with someone else?
We can talk you through the ownership options and help you find the right mortgage for a joint purchase.
Speak to us