Why condo co-ownership is gaining popularity

More Canadians are partnering up with friends and family to buy a condo. New data from Teranet, the provider of Ontario's online property search and registration, shows co-ownership in condominiums specifically was more than 37 per cent in 2018. With condo prices continuing to rise year over year, for many, pooling their money is the only option to get into the condo market. For others it's a more creative way to manage a huge responsibility, like owning real estate. Here is what the latest data shows.

The trend is growing

Compared to data from 2012 more condo purchases are being made with more than one person on title. Condos with only one person on title in 2018 was 48 per cent. That is down from 57 per cent in 2012. Parents are pitching in more too. For example, units owned with parental assistance is at more than 14 per cent. Compare that to 2012 when only nine per cent of condos were purchased with help from mom and dad.

Owners close in age

The data from Teranet show co-owners are relatively close in age. That number has also risen slightly. In 2012, 50.1 per cent of the province's homes had several owners on title, with the age gaps being 20 years or less. This proportion went up to 51.6 per cent by 2018. The rise is small, but shows more people, young or old, are choosing to buy together, whether it be young people buying their first home, or retirees deciding to downside together.

Financing options

Owning a house with a friend of family member means you will need to apply for a co-mortgage. Some financial institutions are now launching products that are specifically aimed at this group of people eager to find a way to buy their first home. There are many factors to consider in a co-ownership situation. This will include how the regular monthly bills will be handled, who will get what room and how emergency costs can be covered. As well, have an exit plan if you co-own a property.

Consider the future

Unlike when you buy with your spouse or long term partner, life can change at different times. One co-owner may meet someone and want them to move in. Another may get a new job and want to sell the home and take the equity to buy a house elsewhere. Draw up a plan now of how you will handle the sale of the home and what each co-owner's expectations are.With co-ownership of condos on the rise, more needs to be done to protect all those involved in the transaction to make sure the real estate purchase is worth it for everyone.Rubina Ahmed-Haq is a journalist and personal finance expert. She is HPG's Finance Editor. She regularly appears on CBC Radio and TV. She is a contributor on CTV Your Morning and Global Toronto. She has a BA from York University, received her post graduate journalism diploma from Humber College and has completed the CSC. Follow her on Twitter @alwayssavemoney.