# Is it possible to split an inherited property in Singapore?
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Real estate can be difficult to jointly inherit, especially if the beneficiaries can't agree on what to do with it. When several siblings inherit their parents' home as joint proprietors, this circumstance frequently arises. Increased family strife may make an already sad situation much worse when siblings dispute about whether to maintain or sell the property.

It is usually preferable to negotiate a deal through a **[probate lawyer Singapore](https://awlaw.com.sg/service/probate-lawyer-singapore/)** that everyone can accept, like a buyout or rental contract.

## When a joint owner passes away, what happens to the property?
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Whether or if the property is owned jointly with rights of survivorship will determine this. When a joint owner who has the right of survivorship dies, ownership of the property goes to the remaining joint owners. This type of ownership avoids the requirement for probate since the right of survivorship transfers immediately. This kind of inheritance is frequently used for real estate, bank accounts, and retirement funds owned jointly with rights of survivorship.

However, if a joint owner dies and the property is jointly held without the right of survivorship, the dead owner's stake would normally need to go through probate before being given to their heirs or beneficiaries.

## Can a sibling force an inherited house to be sold?
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Yes, one sibling may request that the court order the sale of a property that was inherited jointly.

When two or more beneficiaries inherit a home or other property, the personal representative or any beneficiary may file a partition action under Singapore Probate law. For each beneficiary, the property may be divided into separate parts as a consequence of a partition action.

However, as single-family homes are seldom capable of being partitioned in this way, the majority of partition actions involving houses end with the sale of the property.

All beneficiaries don't need to consent to a partition because any beneficiary may submit a petition for it. Thus, even if the other siblings disagree, one sibling may attempt to compel the sale of the family home when they inherit it collectively.

## What takes place when one sibling refuses to sell an inherited property?
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There are numerous ways to resolve the conflict when one sibling refuses to sell a home they jointly inherited while the other siblings want to sell the house. The simplest solution is to have the sibling who resides in the house purchase the interests of the other siblings.

Any sibling who wishes to sell may attempt to compel the sale through a partition action if the siblings are unable to come to an amicable arrangement. A petition for division may also be submitted by the estate's representative. After paying the legal fees and expenses out of the sale earnings, the court may then order that the house be sold. The net revenues will then be distributed among all the siblings.

## Is it possible to refute a partition action?
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You can indeed oppose a partition action. However, it is difficult to resist a partition action unless there is a strong defense or a contract that forbids dividing the property.

However, a settlement agreement can still be discussed even after a partition action has been launched. A shared settlement plan enables the beneficiary who wishes to maintain the residence to purchase the property interests of the other beneficiaries.

If this arrangement is impractical, you might be able to reach an alternative agreement by renting the property, paying the other beneficiaries off gradually over time through a payment schedule, or giving up other estate assets in return for the other beneficiaries' rights. You and the other beneficiaries can think outside the box because there are several potential answers.

Immediately contact a probate litigation attorney if you are embroiled in a dispute over jointly inherited property. Your petition for or defense against a partition action, as well as any settlement negotiations, will be assisted by a probate **[estate lawyer Singapore](https://awlaw.com.sg/service/probate-lawyer-singapore/)**.