When your loved one passes away, your right to their share in the property will come down to the ownership arrangement.
The two types of co-ownership in property are joint tenants or tenants in common.
Joint tenants is the most common form of ownership where you and your partner own equal shares in the property.
If your partner passes away, their share goes to or is “bequeathed” to you as the survivor. Ownership of the property automatically reverts to sole ownership.
You can then arrange with a solicitor for the property title to be changed so it’s solely in your name.
Where it is tenants in common ownership, a will will determine how your partner’s share in the real estate is to be distributed, whether it’s to you or someone else.
This is the main point of difference between joint tenants and tenants in common and it can cause a lot heartache for families who will never know their loved one’s plans for finalising a deceased estate.