What is the difference between Joint Tenancy and Tenants in Common?

Jun 20, 2024 | Publication

A very important difference in ownership of property where there are two or more owners is Joint Tenancy v Tenants in Common.

It is essential to understand the difference when and if you buy property with another person.

If you own a property as Joint Tenants and one of you dies the property automatically passes to the survivor regardless of what is in the deceased’s Will.

Typically husbands and wives own property as Joint Tenants.

If you own a property as Tenants in Common and one of you dies the property does not automatically passes to the survivor.  The property is dealt with pursuant to the person’s Will.

Typically siblings or friends may own property as Tenants in Common. 

Often ownership as Tenants in Common is in unequal shares.  For instance, person A may own 40% of the property as Tenants in Common, person B may own 35% of the property at Tenants in Common and person C may own 25% as Tenants in Common.

It is essential to obtain legal and other professional advice regarding how property is owned.  For an obligation free discussion please contact us on (02) 9633 1826 or email reception@mcauleylawyers.com.au

The information in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we do not guarantee that the information in this publication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference is made and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources. If you do not wish to receive newsletters from us, please let us know.

Latest Insights

How can my business sue someone to recover money?

Lawyers are often asked about the process of recovering money owed as a result of, for instance, a failure to pay for goods or services or a breach of contract. Normally a business (or an individual) will issue a letter of demand as a precursor to suing someone to...

Can a Will be done electronically – not on paper?

Can a Will be valid if it is found on a computer (i.e. not signed with pen and in a hard copy form)? The Supreme Court of South Australia recently examined the validity of an electronic Will created on an iPad and signed using an iPad pen. The decision of In the...

Landmark Decision: Melenewycz v Whitfield [2015] NSWSC 1482

In a significant legal precedent, the New South Wales Supreme Court addressed the applicability of blameless accident provisions in motor accident compensation cases, specifically concerning single-vehicle accidents. The case of Melenewycz v Whitfield [2015] NSWSC...

Plaintiff’s Duty to Mitigate Loss: Understanding the Implications

In the realm of legal disputes, the principle that plaintiffs have a duty to mitigate their losses holds paramount importance. The fundamental premise is clear: if a plaintiff's inaction or unreasonable action leads to avoidable loss, the compensation awarded may be...

How Vicissitudes Impact Future Economic Loss in Legal Cases

When it comes to calculating future economic loss in legal cases, one concept that often arises is "vicissitudes." But what exactly are vicissitudes, and how do they affect the compensation awarded to plaintiffs? In this article, we'll delve into the definition of...