Home Q&A Forum Is a co-ownership agreement necessary when purchasing a property with a friend?

Property

Co-Ownership Agreement

Massachusetts

Asked on Jun 29, 2025

Is a co-ownership agreement necessary when purchasing a property with a friend?

I am considering purchasing a property with a friend, and we want to ensure that our rights and responsibilities are clearly defined. We have a good relationship and trust each other, but we have heard that it is advisable to have a co-ownership agreement in place to avoid potential conflicts or disputes in the future. We want to know if it is necessary to have such an agreement and what it should include to protect both parties' interests in case of any unforeseen circumstances or changes in our circumstances or relationship.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Property

Massachusetts

Answered 310 days ago

Joshua D.

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June 5, 2025

Technically, no, such an agreement is not "required." However, you are smart to avoid putting all of your faith in a pre-existing friendship (for the benefit of ownership and the friendship). A strong agreement should cover things such as use and payment of rent between the co-owners, duties of repair, payment of expenses/taxes, the sale of the property, assignment of rights, survivability, and any other thing you can think of that might occur during the time you own the property.

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