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
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
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.
| 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.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.