Buying together,
agreed in writing.
When friends, siblings, parents and children or partners buy together, a co-ownership agreement records who paid what, who pays the costs, and what happens if someone wants out.
Client reviews
Property law clients,
in their own words.
Been dealing with Dinesh, Pallavee and his staff for over 10 years, more than 20 properties settled through them. The amount of expertise Joshi Lawyers has is next to none… every question answered and every transaction handled in the most professional way.
Ankur AnandProperty investor · Google review, 2018 Made a complex process simple. I received pro-active phone calls and emails letting me know about timeframes and deadlines… Everything was completed remotely and so easy, as well as regular communication which far exceeded my expectations.
Dhaval PatelHome buyer · Google review, 2020 I’ve used Joshi Lawyers a few times now and have always had a good experience with them. The communication and service from their team throughout the entire process from start to finish is great, and they are cost-effective, too.
Ian HProperty and conveyancing client · Google review, 2019 We bought our first commercial property and Dinesh looked after our file… sent us all information three days prior with all calculations, and kept us posted with all changes on the settlement date. A hassle-free experience.
Ravneet KaurCommercial property buyer · Google review, 2020 The process went smooth with no stress, communication was easy and we were kept informed throughout the process. We can’t recommend them enough and we will definitely be using their services for future settlements.
Dureka HomesBuilder · Google review, 2019 I am with them for the past 5 years for several land purchases. In all instances they have provided great service to me… taking ownership and providing extra-mile service.
Sumita MukherjeeLand investor · Google review, 2019
Is this you?
When people come to us about co-ownership agreements.
Each of these is a good reason to call, and none of them is too early.
- You are buying with a friend or sibling and contributing different deposits.
- Your parents are contributing to your purchase and want it recorded.
- One owner wants to sell and the other does not.
- You are not sure whether to own as joint tenants or tenants in common.
How we help
Buying together is easy. Selling apart is where the agreement earns its keep.
How you hold the title decides what happens if one owner dies. Joint tenants pass their share to the survivor. Tenants in common pass it under their will. Most co-owners also need to agree how costs are shared and how one can exit.
We advise on the right form of ownership, draft an agreement that suits the arrangement, and help resolve disputes between co-owners, including applications to VCAT where agreement is not possible.
What we do
- Advice on joint tenancy and tenancy in common
- Deposit, contribution and cost-sharing terms
- Exit, buy-out and sale provisions
- Agreements between parents and children
- Updates to wills to match the ownership
- Co-ownership disputes, including VCAT applications
What happens first
Your first week with us.
A matter should feel different from the first call. This is what you can expect before anything is signed or sent.
The first call: what is at stake
What has happened, what the documents say, and any date that cannot be missed, such as a settlement or a notice period.
In writing: the steps and the cost
What needs to happen and in what order, with the fee quoted or scoped in writing before the work starts.
Urgent matters first
Guarantee advice is usually given the same day, and a caveat can be lodged the same day where you hold an interest in the land.
From then on: one lawyer, no chasing
The same lawyer sees the matter through, and you are told what is happening at each step.
Your team
Who you will deal with.
Matters are run by the people below, not handed down.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, it is a good reason for the free call.
Should we be joint tenants or tenants in common?
Joint tenants pass their share to the survivor automatically. Tenants in common hold set shares that pass under each owner’s will. The right choice depends on your relationship and contributions, and we advise before the contract is signed.
My co-owner will not agree to sell. What can I do?
VCAT can order the sale or division of co-owned land when owners cannot agree. We try to reach an agreement first, and act on the application if one is needed.
What does it cost?
Conveyancing is a fixed fee, quoted before you engage us. Development, SMSF and commercial property work is handled by senior lawyers and scoped in writing before it starts, so you know what you are committing to and what you will get for it.
More in lending, titles and disputes
View all property law- CaveatsCaveats lodged to protect your interest, and unjustified caveats removed from your title.Read more
- Private mortgages and loansLoan agreements and mortgages for family and private lending, drafted and registered on title.Read more
- Independent advice on guarantees and loansThe independent legal advice and certificate banks require for guarantees, loans and refinances, usually same day.Read more
- Deceased estate transfersProperty transferred after a death by survivorship, transmission and sale or transfer to beneficiaries.Read more
- Easements, covenants and boundariesEasements, restrictive covenants, boundary disputes, dividing fences and adverse possession.Read more
- Settlement delays and defaultsLate settlements, default and rescission notices, extensions and penalty interest, for buyers and sellers.Read more
Tell us what is going on. We will tell you where you stand.
A free 15-minute call. If it is a matter for us, you are booked in with the right solicitor before the call ends. If it is not, we will say so.