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<p style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">When purchasing property, the choice between joint tenancy and tenants in common profoundly influences how ownership is structured. These two types of ownership have distinct rules regarding property division and succession. While both provide co-owners with ownership rights and a share of the property, the key difference lies in the rules governing the death of one of the tenants.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In joint tenancy, co-owners, which can include more than two individuals, collectively own the entire property. They do not specify percentages; instead, each owner holds 100% jointly with the other. Married couples often opt for joint tenancy due to its “right of survivorship.” This means that upon the death of one joint tenant, the deceased’s share automatically passes to the surviving tenant(s) and does not become part of the deceased’s estate. One of the primary advantages of joint tenancy is the automatic right of survivorship. This simplifies the transfer of ownership upon the death of a co-owner, often making it less complex and less expensive compared to tenants in common.</p><p style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" data-mce-style="padding: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 0px; user-select: text; word-break: break-word; font-size: 14px; line-height: var(--cib-type-body1-line-height); font-weight: 400; font-variation-settings: var(--cib-type-body1-font-variation-settings); color: #111111; font-family: -apple-system, Roboto, SegoeUI, 'Segoe UI', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Microsoft YaHei', 'Meiryo UI', Meiryo, 'Arial Unicode MS', sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In contrast, tenants in common own specific shares of the property, and these shares can be equal or unequal. Parties who are not automatically entitled to a right of survivorship, such as friends or siblings, usually choose tenancy in common. Upon the death of a tenant in common, their share becomes part of their estate and is distributed according to their Will or the laws of intestacy. Tenants in common offer flexibility in ownership percentages, allowing unequal shares based on individual financial contributions.</p>

Conveyancing - differences between joint tenancy and tenants in common

<p>Buying a property is a major life investment, and it's important to understand the legal process involved. As a solicitor in Queensland, I can help you navigate the legal aspects of buying a property and ensure that your interests are protected.</p><p>Here is an overview of the legal process for buying a property in Queensland:</p><h2><strong>Making an offer</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="9:1-9:51">Once you've found a property that you're interested in, you'll need to make an offer to the seller. This can be done through the real estate agent or directly to the seller if they are selling the property themselves.</p><p data-sourcepos="11:1-11:175">If your offer is accepted, you'll need to sign a contract of sale. This is a legally binding document, so it's important to have it reviewed by a <a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/team" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/team">solicitor </a>before you sign it.</p><figure id="figure-plsfweyo2rlnmjjan3"><img id="plsfweyo2rlnmjjan3" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1423592707957-3b212afa6733?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOHx8bGVnYWwlMjBwcm9jZXNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NzA3NjUwN3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="legal process contract offer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1423592707957-3b212afa6733?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOHx8bGVnYWwlMjBwcm9jZXNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NzA3NjUwN3ww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>2.&nbsp;<strong>Cooling-off period</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="15:1-15:192">In Queensland, buyers have a five-business-day cooling-off period after they sign the contract of sale. It will <strong>start the day the buyer receives a copy of the contract</strong> (signed by both parties) - so you essentially have 4 business days after the contract is signed.<br></p><p data-sourcepos="15:1-15:192">This gives you time to back out of the purchase without penalty (if the vendors agree) if you change your mind. However please note that under the contract, the vendor has the right to deduct <span style="line-height: 1.3;" data-mce-style="line-height: 1.3;">0.25% of the purchase price from the deposit.</span><br></p><p data-sourcepos="15:1-15:192"><span style="line-height: 1.3;" data-mce-style="line-height: 1.3;">After the cooling period, the <a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/contact-us" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/contact-us">buyer must follow through</a> on the contract and buy the property. This remains subject to the terms of the contract.</span></p><h2><strong>3. Home inspection</strong></h2><p data-sourcepos="19:1-19:117">It's important to have the property inspected by a qualified building inspector before you buy it. This will help you identify any potential problems with the property.</p><h2>4. Conducting Property Searches</h2><p>Before proceeding with the purchase, <a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/conveyancing" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/conveyancing">your solicitor or conveyancer</a> will conduct various property searches. These searches are essential to identify any potential issues or restrictions that may affect the property, such as easements, encumbrances, or zoning regulations. The results of these searches will help you make an informed decision about the property.</p><figure id="figure-v7m1zk4b1blnmjjdy8"><img id="v7m1zk4b1blnmjjdy8" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516156008625-3a9d6067fab5?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxwcm9wZXJ0eSUyMHNlYXJjaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTcwNzY1MTJ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="property search" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516156008625-3a9d6067fab5?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxwcm9wZXJ0eSUyMHNlYXJjaHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTcwNzY1MTJ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>5. Organizing Finance</h2><p>Unless you are purchasing the property outright, you will need to organize finance. This involves applying for a home loan from a bank or other financial institution. Your <a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/conveyancing" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/conveyancing">solicitor or conveyancer</a> can assist you with the necessary documentation and liaise with your lender to ensure a smooth process.</p><h2>6. Unconditional contract<br></h2><p>Once all the necessary checks have been completed and finance is in place, the contract becomes unconditional and becomes legally binding.</p><figure id="figure-qt2p2i6g6qlnmjjh6a"><img id="qt2p2i6g6qlnmjjh6a" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxjb250cmFjdCUyMGV4Y2hhbmdlfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NzA3NjUxNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="contract exchange" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1450101499163-c8848c66ca85?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxjb250cmFjdCUyMGV4Y2hhbmdlfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5NzA3NjUxNnww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>7. Settlement</h2><p>The settlement is the final stage of the legal process for buying a property in Queensland. It is the day when ownership of the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. Your <a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/team" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/team">solicitor or conveyancer</a> will coordinate with all parties involved, including the seller's solicitor, the bank, and the settlement agent, to ensure a smooth settlement process.</p><figure id="figure-t7iknp6jpglnmjjjtv"><img id="t7iknp6jpglnmjjjtv" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633526544365-a98d534c9201?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNnx8dGl0bGUlMjB0cmFuc2ZlcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTcwNzY1MTl8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="title transfer" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633526544365-a98d534c9201?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNnx8dGl0bGUlMjB0cmFuc2ZlcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTcwNzY1MTl8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>8. Post-Purchase Obligations</h2><p>After the legal process of buying a property in Queensland is complete, there are still a few post-purchase obligations to fulfill. These may include notifying relevant authorities of your change of address, arranging for utilities to be connected, and updating your insurance policies. Your <a data-mce-href="https://charterconveyancing.com.au/" href="https://charterconveyancing.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">solicitor </a>or conveyancer can provide guidance on these matters.</p><p><a data-mce-href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/contact-us" href="https://www.mintlegal.com.au/contact-us">Buying a property is a significant investment, and understanding the legal process is crucial to ensure a successful transaction. By engaging a solicitor or conveyancer, reviewing the contract, conducting property searches, organizing finance, exchanging contracts, completing settlement, transferring the title, and fulfilling post-purchase obligations, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.</a><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

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Conveyancing - differences between joint tenancy and tena...

The legal process for buying a property in Queensland