What is the better manner of holding for husband and wife when purchasing property?

The better manner of holding depends on your specific circumstances and intentions for the property.

Joint Tenancy is often preferred for married couples buying their primary residence. With joint tenancy, both spouses own the entire property together with no separate shares. The key advantage is the right of survivorship — if one spouse passes away, the property automatically transfers to the surviving spouse, regardless of what the will states. This simplifies estate planning and is the default option for HDB flats.

Tenancy-in-Common offers more flexibility and may be better if you're considering future property purchases or investment strategies. Under this arrangement, each spouse can own a defined share (equal or unequal), and upon death, each owner's share passes to their respective estate according to their will, not automatically to the surviving spouse. This structure also allows for decoupling — a strategy where one spouse can be removed from ownership of the first property, allowing the other spouse to purchase a second property and potentially avoid or reduce Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD).

For most married couples, joint tenancy is simpler and more straightforward for a matrimonial home. However, if you plan to purchase multiple properties, invest in real estate, or want greater control over your individual share, tenancy-in-common provides more flexibility despite potentially higher legal fees.

Consider consulting a legal advisor to discuss your long-term property plans, estate planning goals, and financial situation before deciding which structure suits your needs best.