When two or more people buy property together in New Zealand, they must decide how the property will be legally owned. The two main options are joint tenancy and tenancy in common. Each can have major consequences for couples, families, and relationship property disputes. In family law matters — including separation, estate planning, and blended families — the way a property is owned can significantly affect what happens to the home or investment property.

When faced with a relationship property division, how do you know when to get a real estate agent’s appraisal, or a registered valuation?