Buying a property with someone else can be exciting – but it’s important to get the legal structure right from the outset. Our residential property solicitors will guide you through your options and ensure your interests are protected.
Joint ownership is common for couples, family members, and business partners buying property together. While it offers many benefits, it also raises important legal considerations. How you choose to hold the property can affect your rights if you separate, sell, or if one of you passes away.
At Slater Heelis, our experienced residential property team advises clients on all aspects of joint ownership. We’ll explain your options clearly, help you make informed decisions, and prepare the necessary documents to safeguard your position.
What is joint ownership?
Joint ownership means more than one person owns a property. In England and Wales, there are two main ways to hold property jointly:
- Joint tenants – Each owner has equal rights to the whole property. If one owner dies, their share automatically passes to the other(s).
- Tenants in common – Each owner has a defined share (which may be equal or unequal). Their share forms part of their estate and can be passed on through a Will.
- Other arrangements– A declaration of Trust may be needed where there are other considerations, for example, if one person paid a larger deposit to reflect financial contributions made towards the purchase price.
Choosing the right form of ownership is crucial to protecting your financial interests and ensuring your wishes are respected in the future.
Types of joint ownership issues we can help with
Our solicitors regularly assist with a wide range of joint ownership matters, including:
- Advising on the best ownership structure for your circumstances
- Preparing Declarations of Trust to set out each owner’s contributions and shares- if the arrangement is straightforward and both parties are aligned, one solicitor may act for both with informed consent— Where joint owners have differing financial interests or expectations, or there are more complex considerations each party should obtain independent legal advice to ensure their position is fully protected and to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
- Helping cohabiting couples or family members protect their investments
- Advising buy-to-let investors or business partners purchasing together
- Resolving disputes when joint owners cannot agree on selling or managing the property
If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’ll provide tailored advice to protect your position now and in the future.
How our residential property solicitors can help
Joint ownership should never be left to assumption. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and provide clear, practical guidance to safeguard everyone involved.
We can:
- Explain the implications of joint tenants vs tenants in common
- Draft a Declaration of Trust to set out contributions and ownership shares if appropriate
- Ensure your arrangements are consistent with Wills and estate planning, but please note that our legal advice does not extend to inheritance tax mitigation or financial planning matters, and we recommend seeking specialist advice from a qualified tax adviser or wealth manager where appropriate.
- Advise on your rights and options if disagreements arise later
Our proactive approach helps you make confident, informed decisions.
Why choose Slater Heelis?
As one of the leading residential property teams in the North West, we have extensive experience helping clients structure joint ownership arrangements to suit their needs.
We understand the importance of balancing legal protection with personal relationships, and we’ll work with sensitivity and clarity to ensure your interests are fully safeguarded.
You’ll benefit from:
- Clear, straightforward advice tailored to your situation
- Experienced solicitors with specialist property expertise
- Protection against future disputes or uncertainty
- A full-service law firm offering support with family law, wills and probate, and disputes if required
Get In Touch
Angela Brown is a Solicitor in our Residential Conveyancing Team. Angela has over 20 years’ experience in private client work, and specialises in residential conveyancing.
If you’d like to talk to Angela or another member of our team in Manchester or Sale about conveyancing services, please call 0330 111 3131 or fill out our online contact form.
