Buying a house together (joint loan)
Quick answer: A joint loan combines two or more incomes for a higher loan eligibility. Every borrower is fully liable for the whole debt, and usually all names go on the title. For Muslim couples, each owner's share passes under faraid — consider hibah or a will so your spouse and children are protected.
Pros
- Higher eligibility — e.g. two RM3,000 net salaries can qualify for about RM928,000 (60% DSR, no other debt).
- Costs and instalments are shared.
- First-home buyers can afford areas closer to work.
Risks
- If one stops paying, the other carries it all.
- Divorce or a falling-out with siblings — selling or removing a name needs agreement and bank approval.
- The loan counts in both borrowers' DSR if either wants another home.
Who can borrow jointly?
Usually spouses, parents and children, or siblings. Each bank has its own rules. For first-home aid such as the stamp duty exemption, ask your lawyer whether every buyer must be a first-time buyer.
Faraid, hibah & wills
For Muslims, a deceased owner's share is distributed under faraid. If a couple wants that share to go to the surviving spouse, discuss hibah or estate-planning documents with a Shariah planner or lawyer. MRTT/MLTT also helps settle the loan.
Work out combined eligibility in the home calculator or the salary table.
Frequently asked questions
What is a joint home loan?
A home loan applied for by two or more people, with incomes combined for eligibility and every borrower fully liable for the debt.
A couple buys together and one dies — what happens?
MRTT/MRTA can settle the loan. For Muslims, the deceased's ownership share passes under faraid unless there is a valid hibah or estate plan.
Can I take a joint loan with my sibling?
Many banks allow siblings or parents and children to apply together, subject to the bank's rules. Agree first who pays what and what happens if you sell.
Is a joint loan easier to approve?
Yes, because incomes are combined — but both borrowers' CCRIS and CTOS are assessed. One bad record can hurt the application.