Sameie

Sameie is a form of co-ownership of real property where two or more people own an undivided share of a single property. Each owner holds a defined portion, or andel, of the property, typically expressed as a fraction or percentage. The use of the property is shared in proportion to these shares, and common parts such as entrance areas, gardens, or driveways are collectively owned. A sameie arises when several persons purchase a property together or when an existing property is organized as a co-owned asset. The rights and obligations of the owners are usually laid out in a sameieavtale (co-ownership agreement) and supplemented by applicable property law.

Each owner has the right to use and enjoy the entire property, but use must respect the rights of the other owners and the shared parts. Financial responsibilities, including maintenance, insurance, taxes, and other costs, are normally shared in proportion to each owner’s share unless otherwise agreed. Decisions about ordinary management are taken at a general meeting and implemented by a board or other managing entity. Most decisions require a majority of the voting shares, while some significant matters—such as altering the use of common parts, selling the property, or changing the ownership structure—may require unanimity or a higher threshold.

A sameie can incur joint liabilities, such as a mortgage (fellesgjeld), which is secured by the property and paid in proportion to each owner’s share. Co-owners may transfer or sell their shares, and the sameie can be dissolved by agreement or through partition, with the property being divided or sold and the proceeds distributed according to ownership shares.