Tenancy-in-Common
What is tenancy-in-common?
Tenancy-in-common is a way for two or more people to own a property together in which each co-owner holds a separate, distinct share, such as 60% and 40%. There is no right of survivorship: when one owner dies, their share passes under their will, or under the Intestate Succession Act if there is no will.
Key facts
- Ownership
- Each co-owner holds a separate and distinct share
- Shares
- Can be unequal, e.g. 60% and 40%
- On an owner's death
- Their share goes under their will, or the Intestate Succession Act if there is none
- Right of survivorship
- Does not apply
- Alternative
- Joint tenancy, where co-owners own the whole interest together
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
How tenancy-in-common works
Each co-owner owns a defined share of the property. The shares add up to 100% and don’t have to be equal. Because each share is separate, it can be passed on by will.
| Tenancy-in-common | Joint tenancy | |
|---|---|---|
| What each owner holds | A distinct share | The whole interest, together |
| Unequal shares | Yes | No |
| On one owner’s death | Share passes under their will or by law | Passes automatically to surviving owners |
Example
HDB gives this example. Mr A and Mrs A own an HDB flat as tenants-in-common, with 60% and 40% shares. When Mr A dies, his 60% share is distributed according to his will, or under the Intestate Succession Act if he has none. Mrs A keeps her 40% share.
Common mistakes
- Not making a will. Without one, your share is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act, which may not match your wishes.
- Assuming the survivor gets the whole home. Under tenancy-in-common, they keep only their own share unless they inherit the rest.
- Not recording the right proportions. Decide the shares carefully when you buy; changing them later involves a formal process.
Frequently asked questions
Why would co-owners choose tenancy-in-common?
It lets each owner decide who inherits their share, and records unequal contributions, for example when one owner paid more of the price.
What happens to the surviving owner if a tenant-in-common dies?
The survivor keeps their own share. The deceased owner's share goes to the beneficiaries named in their will, or under the Intestate Succession Act. HDB has separate rules on retaining a flat after a co-owner's death.
Can the shares be changed later?
For HDB flats, HDB has a process to change 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.