In a tenancy in common, can individuals own different shares of property?

In a tenancy in common, individuals can indeed own different shares of property, making unequal ownership a key characteristic of this type of co-ownership. Each tenant in common holds an individual interest in the property, which allows for flexibility in how ownership percentages are structured. For example, one owner might hold a 50% share, while another might hold only 25%, and a third could have the remaining 25%. This unequal distribution of shares is permissible and does not require that all owners possess equal interest.

This flexibility is beneficial as it allows individuals to invest in property to differing extents based on their financial capabilities or contributions to the acquisition of the property. The nature of a tenancy in common also means that each owner has the right to use and enjoy the entire property, irrespective of their share, further emphasizing the distinctive qualities of this ownership type.