How to Hold Title in California

How you take title, called vesting, affects ownership rights, what happens when an owner passes away, and potential tax treatment. It's worth understanding your options before closing.

Sole Ownership

A single person, or a married person choosing to hold separately, can take title as a sole owner.

Joint Tenancy

Two or more owners hold equal shares with right of survivorship, so title passes automatically to the surviving owner.

Community Property

Available to married couples and registered partners, this option can offer favorable tax treatment on the property's cost basis.

Community Property With Right of Survivorship

This combines survivorship with community property benefits, a common choice for California couples.

Holding Title in a Trust

Placing title in a living trust can help avoid probate and simplify passing the home to your heirs.

Get the Right Advice

Vesting has legal and tax consequences, so I'll connect you with an attorney or tax advisor and make sure your choice is set correctly at closing.