CO-OWNING PROPERTY WITH SOMEONE ELSE: THE UPS AND DOWNS

What is co-ownership?

Co-ownership is when one or more people jointly own the same property. In essence, it is when they legally share ownership without dividing the property into physical portions for their exclusive use. It is thus commonly referred to as co-ownership in undivided shares.

It is possible to agree that owners acquire the property in different shares; for instance, one person owns 70 percent and the other 30 percent of the single property. The different shares can be recorded and registered in the title deeds by the Deeds Office.

The benefits

On paper, it’s a great idea. For starters, the bond repayments and costs of maintaining the home are halved. However, there can be problems and although not every friendship or relationship is destined to disintegrate, there does often come a time when one of the parties involved wants to sell up and move on to bigger and better things.

The risks

If ownership is given to one or more purchasers, without stipulating in what shares they acquire the property, it is legally presumed that they acquired the property in equal shares.

The risks, the benefits and the obligations that flow from the property are shared in proportion to each person’s share of ownership in the property. For instance, one of the co-owners fails to contribute his share of the finances as initially agreed, resulting in creditors such as the bank or Body Corporate taking action to recover the shortfall.

Having an agreement

If two people own property together in undivided shares it is advisable to enter into an agreement which will regulate their rights and obligations if they should decide to go their own separate ways.

The practical difficulties that flow from the rights and duties of co-ownership are captured by the expression communio est mater rixarum or “co-ownership is the mother of disputes”. It is therefore important that, when the agreement the co-owners entered into does not help them solve disputes, certain remedies are available to them.

The agreement should address the following issues:

1. In what proportion will the property be shared?
2. Who has the sole right to occupy the property?
3. Who will contribute what initial payments to acquire the property.
4. Who will contribute what amounts to the ongoing future costs and finances.
5. How the profits or losses will be split, should the property or a share be sold?
6. The sale of one party’s share must be restricted or regulated.
7. The right to draw funds out of the access bond must be regulated.
8. A breakdown of the relationship between the parties.
9. Death or incapacity of one of the parties.
10. Dispute resolution options before issuing summons.
11. Termination of the agreement.

References:

• http://igrow.co.za/co-ownership-of-property-what-you-need-to-know/
• http://www.privateproperty.co.za/advice/property/articles/the-pitfalls-of-property-co-ownership/5046
• http://www.jgs.co.za/index.php/property/owning-prop-jointly-the-do-s-and-dont-s

This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as legal or other professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your legal adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)