Manner of Holding

If there is more than 1 proposed owner, the proposed owners would need to decide on the manner of holding for the flat, either joint tenancy or tenancy-in-common, upon the change in flat ownership.

Joint Tenancy

Under joint tenancy, the co-owners together own the whole interest in the flat.

In joint tenancy, the right of survivorship applies. This means that upon the demise of any joint owner, his/her interest in the flat would automatically be passed on to the remaining co-owners. This is regardless of whether the deceased joint owner has left behind a Will. Get more information on the retention of flat upon the demise of a joint owner.

Example: 

Mr A, Mrs A (wife) and Mr C (son) own an HDB flat under joint tenancy. In the event of Mr A’s demise, the ownership of the flat will automatically be passed to Mrs A and Mr C.

 

Tenancy-in-common

Under tenancy-in-common, each co-owner holds a separate and distinct share in the flat.

The right of survivorship does not apply. Upon the demise of a co-owner, his/her interest in the flat will be distributed according to his/her Will (if any). If there is no Will, his/her interest in the flat will be distributed to the beneficiaries in accordance with the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. Read more on the retention of flat upon the demise of a tenant-in-common.

Example:

Mr A and Mrs A (wife) own an HDB flat under tenancy-in-common with 60% and 40% share respectively. Upon Mr A’s demise, his ownership in the flat (i.e. 60% share) will be distributed according to his Will, or according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act. Mrs A will retain her 40% share.

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