# Joint Tenancy

- Topic: Buying & selling
- Last updated: 6 Nov 2026
- Fact-checked against official government sources: 6 Nov 2026
- Canonical URL: https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/joint-tenancy/

## What is joint tenancy?

Joint tenancy is a way for two or more people to own a property together, in which all the co-owners together own the whole property rather than separate shares. The right of survivorship applies: when one owner dies, their interest passes automatically to the surviving owners, whatever their will says.

## Key facts

- **Ownership:** Co-owners together own the whole interest; no separate shares
- **On an owner's death:** Their interest passes automatically to the surviving co-owners
- **Will:** Does not override the right of survivorship
- **Alternative:** Tenancy-in-common, where each owner holds a distinct share
- **Used for:** Jointly owned homes, including HDB flats; owners choose when buying or changing ownership

## How joint tenancy works

When more than one person owns a property, they must choose a manner of holding: joint tenancy or [tenancy-in-common](https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/tenancy-in-common/).

| | Joint tenancy | Tenancy-in-common |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What each owner holds | The whole interest, together | A separate, distinct share (e.g. 60% and 40%) |
| On one owner's death | Passes automatically to the surviving owners | Passes under that owner's will, or the Intestate Succession Act if there is no will |
| Effect of a will | None on the property | Decides who gets that share |

## Example

HDB gives this example. Mr A, Mrs A and their son Mr C own an HDB flat as joint tenants. When Mr A dies, his interest passes automatically to Mrs A and Mr C. It doesn't matter what Mr A's will says about the flat.

## Common mistakes

- **Writing a will that gives away a joint-tenancy home.** The right of survivorship overrides it for that property.
- **Choosing without thinking about blended families.** If you want your share to go to someone other than your co-owner, joint tenancy may not suit you.
- **Forgetting the choice can be changed.** HDB flat owners can apply to change the manner of holding, subject to HDB rules.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I leave my share of a jointly owned home in my will?

Not while you hold it as a joint tenant. The right of survivorship applies regardless of whether you have a will. To pass a share by will, the owners would need to hold it as tenants-in-common.

### Who might choose joint tenancy?

It suits couples who want the surviving spouse to keep the home automatically. HDB's own example of the Lease Buyback Scheme uses a couple holding their flat under joint tenancy.

### Can we switch from joint tenancy to tenancy-in-common?

Yes. For HDB flats, HDB has a process for changing the manner of holding or the ownership proportion. For private property, ask your conveyancing lawyer.

## Sources

1. [Manner of holding after change in flat ownership](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-flat-ownership-not-through-a-sale/manner-of-holding) (HDB)
2. [Change in manner of holding or ownership proportion](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/home-ownership/change-of-flat-owners-or-occupiers/change-in-manner-of-holding-or-ownership-proportion) (HDB)
3. [Understanding the Lease Buyback Scheme](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/lease-buyback-scheme-lbs/understanding-the-lbs) (HDB)

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Source: PropertyMeter (https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/joint-tenancy/). General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice.