Co-Owning a Home in Singapore Without Being Married

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

In Singapore, homeownership has long been tied to major life milestones like marriage. But that’s starting to change. With rising property prices and changing social norms, more singles, friends, siblings, and unmarried couples are looking for the option of co-owning a home without getting married.

So, is it actually possible to co-own property in Singapore without getting married? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of property, your age, income and citizenship status.

This guide outlines what you need to know if you’re considering this path.

Why buy a property without marriage?

Not everyone follows the conventional trajectory of marriage before homeownership. Some of the key reasons individuals are exploring co-ownership without tying the knot include:

• Delaying or skipping marriage: Couples in long-term relationships who are not ready, or don’t plan, to marry may still want the stability and investment potential of a shared home.
• Pooling resources: Close friends or siblings may combine their funds to boost their buying power and access better properties or locations.
• Investment: Some buyers treat property purely as a financial decision and choose to invest with someone they trust.
• LGBTQ+ couples: As same-sex marriage is not legally recognised in Singapore, many LGBTQ+ couples pursue co-ownership to build a life together.

Whatever the reason, it’s essential to understand your options and how to safeguard everyone’s interest.

What property can you buy without marriage?

In Singapore, the type of property you can jointly purchase without being married depends on your age, citizenship and relationship. Here’s how the main property types are treated:

1. Private properties

You can co-purchase a private condominium or landed property with a partner, friend or relative, as long as they meet the age requirement of at least 21 years old. There are no relationship restrictions for private property ownership.

2. Executive Condominiums (ECs)

Unmarried buyers generally cannot purchase new ECs directly from developers, as ECs follow HDB’s eligibility criteria. However, resale ECs (those over five years old) are treated like private properties and can be purchased jointly by unrelated or unmarried individuals.

3. HDB resale flats

Unmarried individuals who are both Singapore Citizens and at least 35 years old may buy an HDB resale flat together under the Joint Singles Scheme. Siblings may also qualify under the Orphans Scheme or Non-Citizen Family Scheme, depending on eligibility.

4. HDB BTO flats

Access to new BTO flats is limited. Only couples planning to marry (within three months of key collection) or siblings under specific schemes are allowed to apply together. Most other unmarried pairs are not eligible.

Read more: A Singaporean’s Guide to Buying Your First Resale HDB Flat

Legal and financial considerations

Co-owning a property without marriage requires a more proactive and legally secure approach. Here are the key areas to consider:

1. Ownership structure

There are two common legal structures for joint ownership:

• Joint tenancy: Both parties own the property equally. If one person passes away, the other automatically inherits their share (right of survivorship).
• Tenancy-in-common: Ownership is divided in specific proportions (e.g. 60/40), and each party’s share becomes part of their estate upon death. Tenancy-in-common is often preferred for unrelated co-owners as it clearly defines ownership proportions.

2. Co-ownership agreement

This is a private legal document drafted between co-owners that outlines:

• Ownership shares
• Exit strategy (e.g., if one party wants to sell)
• Responsibilities for mortgage payments, maintenance and taxes
• Dispute resolution processes

It’s not legally required, but strongly recommended, especially when co-owning with friends or non-spouses.

3. CPF and mortgage considerations

Both parties may use their CPF savings for the downpayment and to service monthly loans, but the ownership share should match the CPF contributions to prevent complications in the event of a sale or dispute.

Also, both individuals’ incomes will be considered for loan eligibility, but each will be jointly liable for the loan. If one party defaults, the other is still legally responsible for the full repayment.

Read more: Should Homeowners and Investors Get Mortgage Loan Insurance?

Co-ownership checklist: What to agree on before buying

Before signing anything, make sure you and your co-owner are aligned on key issues:

1. Check your eligibility

Confirm what types of property you qualify for, based on age, citizenship, and your relationship (HDB vs. private).

2. Choose the right ownership structure

Choose between joint tenancy or tenancy-in-common, and clarify each person’s share. Align this with CPF usage and contributions to avoid future disputes.

3. Review your finances together

Have open conversations about:

• Individual contributions (cash and CPF)
• Contingency plans if one person can’t pay
• How the mortgage will be split

Pro tip: Before you start house hunting, use a mortgage calculator to get a clear idea of what you can realistically afford based on your income, savings, and expenses.

4. Plan for legal and stamp duty costs

Account for stamp duties, especially if either party owns another property (which may trigger Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty). Also include legal fees and the cost of drafting a co-ownership agreement.

What if one of you wants to sell? What if someone gets married? Can one person rent out their share? Having a written agreement on these matters can help avoid future disputes.

Read more: Homeownership: A Guide for the LGBTQ+ Community in Singapore

Homeownership beyond tradition

Co-owning a home in Singapore without marriage is entirely possible, but it requires thoughtful planning and clear agreements. While the dream of homeownership may be shared, the responsibilities and risks are very individual.

By understanding the limitations, choosing the right legal structures and drafting a solid agreement, co-owners can protect their interests and build a secure living arrangement, without needing a marriage certificate.

Whether it’s with your partner, sibling, or best friend, don’t let traditional norms limit your housing aspirations. Just make sure you enter the property market with your eyes wide open and all agreements in black and white.

Read more: The Hidden Costs of Owning a Home in Singapore