# Buying a home together: your ownership options explained Posted 13/10/2026 by [Alex Bland](/blog/authors/alex-bland) ![People embracing a hug](https://www.your-move.co.uk/uploads/blog_post/12_1535_s.jpg?v=61852) **Summary**: People buying together in England can own as joint tenants or tenants in common. In Scotland, buyers are generally common owners, and their title may contain a survivorship destination. In either country, the ownership arrangement does not usually limit liability under a joint mortgage, so buyers should document their agreement and obtain advice that applies where the property is located. There is more than one way to buy a home with another person. You could be taking the next step with a partner, pooling resources with a friend or sibling, or purchasing with a family member. Whichever route brings you together, it helps to make the big decisions before you pick up the keys. Who will own what? How will you divide the costs? What happens if somebody wants to sell? And does a 50/50 mortgage always mean a 50/50 property? Let’s break down the main options. ## Joint ownership and separate shares: what is the difference? The terminology depends on where the home is located. In England, joint buyers generally choose to own as either **joint tenants** or **tenants in common**. In Scotland, buyers are generally described as **common owners**, and the title may include a survivorship destination. The difference matters. It affects the owners’ shares and what happens to a share when an owner dies. ## Buying together in England ### Joint tenants Joint tenants have equal rights to the whole property rather than separate percentage shares. If one joint tenant dies, their interest in the home usually passes automatically to the other owner or owners. This is called the right of survivorship. It means an owner cannot leave that interest to somebody else through their will. Joint tenancy can be an option for couples who want equal ownership and automatic inheritance by the survivor, but it is important to consider your own family, financial and estate-planning needs. ### Tenants in common Tenants in common each own a distinct share of the home. The split can be equal or unequal, for example, 50/50, 60/40 or another division that reflects the buyers’ agreement. This structure may be worth considering when: - One buyer is contributing more of the deposit; - Mortgage or renovation costs will not be shared equally; - Friends or relatives are buying together; or - Each owner wants to decide who inherits their share. A tenant in common’s share does not automatically pass to the other owner on death. It may instead pass under their will, so making or updating a will is an important part of the planning process. ## Buying together in Scotland Scottish property law uses different terminology. Buyers are generally registered as common owners, each with a share of the property. Their title can contain a **survivorship destination**, sometimes worded “equally and survivor”. If one owner dies, that wording can transfer their share to the surviving co-owner. Without an effective survivorship destination, the deceased owner’s share will normally be dealt with through their estate. The wording of the title is crucial, so ask a Scottish solicitor to explain how the proposed arrangement will work and how it interacts with your will. ## Make the agreement clear When people contribute different amounts or want clear rules for a future sale, their legal adviser may recommend a declaration of trust in England or an appropriate co-ownership agreement in Scotland. The document can record the ownership shares and explain how money will be divided. It might cover: - Deposit contributions; - Each person’s ownership percentage; - Mortgage payments and household costs; - Spending on repairs and improvements; - How an owner can leave the arrangement; - How a buyout price will be calculated; and - How net sale proceeds will be shared. The right document and wording depend on the buyers’ circumstances and the country where they are purchasing. Ask a conveyancer or Scottish solicitor to prepare or advise on it rather than relying on a private conversation or informal note. ## Ownership shares do not divide the mortgage debt This is one of the most important points to understand. Even if tenants in common own 60% and 40% of the property, a **[joint mortgage](/page/2024)** will not necessarily be divided in the same way. Joint borrowers are generally each responsible for the whole mortgage debt, not simply an agreed share. If one person does not pay, the lender may pursue the other for the full payment or outstanding balance. This is often described as joint and several liability. Taking out joint credit can also create a financial association between borrowers. Check your credit reports, be honest about other financial commitments and consider how the mortgage would be paid if somebody’s income fell. Talk to our trusted partner Embrace Financial Services about the **[mortgage options](/page/2024)** and deals currently available to you. **[Book a mortgage appointment](/page/2024)** ## Seven conversations to have before buying You do not need to predict every future event, but you should make a plan for the most likely ones. 1. **The deposit:** Who is providing it, and is any family contribution a gift or a loan? 2. **Ownership:** Will your shares be equal or unequal? 3. **Monthly costs:** Who pays the mortgage, insurance, bills and service charges? 4. **Repairs:** How will you approve and fund maintenance or improvements? 5. **A change of plan:** What happens if one owner wants to move, let their room or sell? 6. **A buyout:** How will the property be valued, and how long will the other person have to arrange finance? 7. **Protection:** Do you need wills, life insurance or income protection? Once you have agreed the answers, ask your legal and mortgage professionals to make sure the relevant documents reflect them. ## Can you switch from joint tenants to tenants in common? Yes, ownership can be changed. In England, changing from joint tenants to tenants in common is called severance. It is also possible to change from tenants in common to joint tenants when all owners agree and the necessary legal steps are completed. In Scotland, changing co-ownership arrangements or removing a survivorship destination requires different deeds and registration steps. A **[Scottish solicitor](/page/2293)** should advise on the title and prepare any required documents. Changing the ownership type is not the same as adding or removing somebody from the property title or mortgage. Those changes can involve conveyancing, lender approval, affordability checks and possible tax consequences. Get advice before proceeding. ## What about sole ownership with somebody else contributing? If only one person is the registered owner but another pays towards the deposit, **[mortgage](/page/2024)** or significant work, the position can become complicated. Contributions do not automatically create a simple, fixed ownership percentage. Both people should take legal advice before committing money. If the intention is for the contributor to have a beneficial interest, it should be considered and documented properly. ## Find a home that works for both of you Buying together can expand your options and help you make your move sooner. A clear ownership agreement, a realistic budget and a plan for change can give everyone greater confidence. When you are ready, **[search Your Move properties for sale](/page/30)** or contact your local branch to begin your home-buying journey. **[Search for a property](/page/30)** --- ## FAQs ### Is a joint mortgage always 50/50? No. Co-borrowers can agree how to divide payments between themselves, but the lender will generally regard each borrower as responsible for the whole debt. Ownership shares are a separate legal issue. ### Can I buy a house with a friend? Yes, subject to mortgage eligibility and the legal process. Agree deposits, ownership shares, monthly costs and an exit plan, then ask a conveyancer to document the arrangement. ### Can co-owners have unequal shares? Yes. In England, tenants in common can own in equal or unequal proportions, and a declaration of trust can help record the intended split. Scottish common owners can also hold specified shares; ask a Scottish solicitor to record the arrangement appropriately. ### What happens to an owner’s share when they die? In England, a tenant in common’s share does not automatically pass to the surviving co-owner and is dealt with under their will or the intestacy rules. In Scotland, the outcome depends on the wording of the title, including whether it contains an effective survivorship destination. ### Can I remove somebody from a joint mortgage? Only with the lender’s agreement. The lender is likely to conduct affordability checks before allowing the mortgage to continue in fewer names. --- **YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.** Your Move is an introducer to Embrace Financial Services Ltd. Embrace Financial Services Ltd is an Appointed Representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd. First Complete Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You are under no obligation to use our recommended mortgage or protection adviser. Your decision will not affect the seller’s decision, the acceptance of your offer, or the progress of your purchase. We act as an introducer only and do not provide regulated advice. Any advice or recommendations will be provided by Embrace Financial Services Ltd, an Appointed Representative of Primis Mortgage Network, a trading name of First Complete Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *This article is for general information only. It covers England and Scotland and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice.* ![Alex Bland](https://www.your-move.co.uk/uploads/blog_author/12_23_t.jpg?v=42102) [Alex Bland](/blog/authors/alex-bland) Your Move Emarketing Manager