When you buy a home with someone else, you’re not just sharing space—you’re sharing co-ownership, a legal arrangement where two or more people hold title to a property. Also known as joint ownership, it’s often seen as a way to get on the property ladder, but it’s also one of the most common sources of financial and personal conflict. Many people assume that if they trust their partner, sibling, or friend, co-ownership will be smooth sailing. But trust doesn’t cover legal loopholes, sudden job loss, or a breakup. Without clear agreements, what starts as a smart financial move can turn into a years-long legal mess.
tenancy in common, a form of co-ownership where each person owns a specific share of the property is common in the UK, especially in shared ownership schemes. But unlike joint tenancy, where ownership automatically passes to the survivor, tenancy in common means your share can be sold, inherited, or claimed by creditors. That’s why people who co-own homes with non-spouses often end up in court. One person wants to sell; the other can’t afford to buy them out. The property sits unsold for months. Rent payments get messy. Maintenance costs are ignored. And suddenly, a simple arrangement becomes a financial trap.
Co-ownership risks aren’t just about money—they’re about control. Who decides when to repaint? Who pays for a new boiler? What if one person stops contributing? These aren’t hypotheticals. Posts in this collection show real cases where people lost thousands because they never signed a written agreement. Even a basic document outlining shares, responsibilities, and exit plans can prevent disaster. Without it, you’re relying on goodwill—and goodwill doesn’t pay legal fees.
And it’s not just couples or friends. Parents helping kids buy a home, siblings inheriting property together, or investors pooling money for a rental—all face the same blind spots. The law doesn’t assume you’re being fair. It assumes you’re strangers until proven otherwise. That’s why property disputes, conflicts over ownership, usage, or sale of shared property are rising. The UK’s housing market makes co-ownership tempting, but the system doesn’t protect you unless you protect yourself first.
What you’ll find below isn’t theory. It’s real advice from people who’ve been through it—the mistakes they made, the clauses they ignored, and the legal steps that actually work. Whether you’re thinking about sharing a home or already in one, these posts give you the facts you need before it’s too late.
