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When it comes to home ownership, the “default” mode is to buy with your spouse, parents, or siblings. However, we’ve come across some Singaporeans who have purchased properties with totally unrelated people; and some have even done so as business ventures. Here’s a look at some interesting co-owners, and how their experiences in investing with others: Remus had just left his job with a colleague in 2009, during the peak of the Global Financial Crisis. However, the two of them were fortunate in their timing. Remus and his colleague had left the finance industry just before the worst of the crisis, and were mostly unscathed: “ While Remus didn’t have the capital to start a boutique hotel – which remains his end goal – he and his colleague both saw an opportunity and a safe haven in real estate. The two purchased an older walk-up apartment in the Siglap area, and refurbished it in the style of a bed-and-breakfast Remus had once stayed in abroad. While he prefers not to disclose too much, Remus says he and his former colleague have “an almost equal share” in the unit, and there was a plan to buy out his co-owners share at a later date (although this didn’t manifest, and they remain co-owners till today).  He says there were a few disputes over the years, but these were also resolved amicably; and he feels the relationship is actually more stable than co-owners who are family members: “ One example of this is the way the property loan is handled: as Remus’ colleague has more experience in this field, issues like refinancing are left entirely to him – and Remus is constantly updated on the relevant changes. He feels this is “ Nonetheless, Remus does say that arrangements such as theirs are probably less likely to happen today, as property for investment is being discouraged by ABSD. He also notes that financing was easier in the past, compared to today’s higher rates and loan curbs. Back in 2011, PM purchased a two-bedder in the Telok Blangah area, with a person he describes as a “childhood friend.” This was a matter of mutual interest: “ PM says he went ahead to buy a unit with her, despite being discouraged by his family and even his own property agent: “ PM and his co-owner opted for tenancy-in-common, with each party owning a percentage of the property, and being able to sell their share to someone else. In addition, PM’s share of the unit will go to one of his family members if he passes on, although he prefers not to disclose his legacy planning.  In 13 years, PM has only had one serious dispute, and this was regarding an extensive renovation plan.  “ In the end, the two came to terms and PM accepted the pricier contractor, in exchange for bearing less of the renovation costs.  “ PM says, “ MX is a rare homeowner whose very first property was a condo, and who managed it in her mid-thirties.  But she does say she needed help from her parents, and what made it possible was co-ownership with a friend of the family: “ MX says, “ As MX was also looking for her own place at the time, her mother’s colleague broached the idea of making a joint purchase: MX could look after the place and rent out a room or two if she chose. The pair eventually decided on a unit at The Minton (Hougang). This was around 2010, and MX notes that the timing was lucky as the ABSD was implemented about a year later.  “ MX says, “ MX says there are some inconveniences in the arrangement, as sometimes her co-owner has been unhappy about the state of the unit. MX is also worried that her co-owner will want to sell right now, as the cost of a replacement property in 2024 is prohibitive.  “ Nonetheless, MX says it may not be worth the stress, especially if your co-owner isn’t related but is a close friend of your parents. She says that on a number of occasions, she has had to make compromises to avoid also souring the relationship between her co-owner and her mother.  * Have you or do you currently co-own a property with someone besides a family member? Do reach out to us and share your story! You can also follow us on for shared experiences among homeowners.  If you’d like to get in touch for a more in-depth consultation, you can do so .