What is co-ownership?

Co-ownership is when an asset, such as a home, is jointly owned by two or more parties. Co-owning a property means entering into a shared legal and financial partnership, where each owner holds a defined share of ownership and access rights to the home. It can be a practical way to buy property, whether teaming up with friends, family, or partners. In today’s housing market, joining forces to share costs can make home ownership more accessible.

In a co-ownership arrangement, all owners are listed on the asset’s title, signifying that each holds a specific share. Opting for co-ownership means entering into an agreement about property access and responsibilities.

Traditionally, co-ownership has involved groups of friends or family members buying a home together or inheriting property. While co-ownership itself isn’t new (the Tenants in Common structure has been around for a long time), it’s become a more viable path to home ownership. As real estate prices rise and loan serviceability tightens, combining finances to share the costs of buying and owning a home can make sense —especially for those priced out of buying alone.