How to Identify Shared Ownership and Multiple Proprietors on a Title

Shared Ownership and Multiple Proprietors

Many properties are owned by more than one person. The title register shows how the ownership is structured, which has important legal and practical consequences.

How Joint Ownership Appears on the Register

Section B of the title register will list all registered proprietors. For example:

*Proprietor(s): JOHN SMITH and JANE SMITH of 10 High Street, London SW1A 1AA*

Joint Tenancy vs Tenancy in Common

There are two forms of co-ownership in English law:

**Joint tenancy**: The owners hold the property as a single unit. When one dies, the survivor automatically inherits the whole property (right of survivorship). This is the most common arrangement for married couples.

**Tenancy in common**: Each owner holds a distinct share (not necessarily equal). Their share passes under their will or intestacy rules, not automatically to the survivor. A restriction in Section B — typically "no disposition by a sole proprietor of the registered estate (except a trust corporation) under which capital money arises" — indicates tenancy in common.

Why It Matters

**Probate**: Whether the property passes automatically to the survivor or through the estate depends on the type of co-ownership

**Selling**: All co-owners must agree to a sale. One owner cannot sell their share of a registered freehold without the others

**Divorce**: The ownership structure affects how the property is divided

**Creditors**: A charging order can be placed against one owner's beneficial interest

Shared Ownership Schemes

"Shared ownership" in the housing association sense (where you buy a share and pay rent on the remainder) is different from co-ownership. These are typically leasehold titles where the housing association is the freeholder.

Check Ownership Details

Search for any property to see the registered proprietors on Online Land Registry.