What if I’m buying with other people – how is the property held?
When two or more people buy a property together, you must decide how your ownership will be structured. This is not just a formality — it affects your legal rights, inheritance, and what happens if one party wants to sell, separate, or passes away. As your solicitors, we will ask you to confirm whether you wish to own the property as:
- Joint Tenants, or
- Tenants in Common
This choice must be made before completion and will be recorded with HM Land Registry.
JOINT TENANTS
You both own the whole property equally — there are no separate shares.
If one of you dies, the property automatically passes to the other (known as the right of survivorship).
You cannot leave your share to anyone else in a will.
This is common for married couples or those who want everything to pass between them automatically.
NOTE: If you don’t want the other person to inherit your share automatically, this option may not be suitable.
TENANTS IN COMMON
- You each own a defined share in the property — e.g. 50/50, 60/40, or any agreed ratio.
- You can leave your share to whoever you wish in your will.
- You may want to document this with a Declaration of Trust, confirming each party’s contributions and entitlements.
- This is commonly used where:
- One party is contributing more towards the purchase price
- Buyers are not related or are investing jointly
- You want your share to go to children or other heirs on death
Note: If you don’t have a will in place, your share may still be distributed under intestacy rules — so we recommend preparing one.
WHAT ABOUT COMPANY PURCHASES?
If you are buying through a limited company or SPV, the company is the legal owner. The shareholders of the company hold the interest indirectly, so you may still need to think about:
- Shareholder agreements
- Director and voting rights
- What happens if one shareholder wants to exit or transfer their interest
SUMMARY
How you hold the property when buying with others has lasting legal and financial consequences. Whether you’re buying with a partner, family member, or co-investor, it’s vital to agree on the ownership structure before you commit. At Versus Law, we’ll explain the options clearly and prepare any supporting agreements needed to protect your interests.










