Everyone Thinks You Need $2 Million to Buy in San Francisco. They're Wrong.
- Michael Belfor
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
For years I've heard the same sentence.
"I'd love to buy in San Francisco...but I can't afford it."
Sometimes that's true.
But sometimes the buyer simply hasn't been introduced to one of the Bay Area's best-kept secrets:
TIC ownership.
No...
It's not a timeshare.
No...
It's not fractional vacation ownership.
And no...
It isn't a loophole.
It's simply another form of homeownership that has existed in San Francisco for decades.
Yet most buyers—and even many real estate agents—don't fully understand it.
What Is a TIC?
A Tenancy in Common allows multiple owners to share ownership of a property while each owner has exclusive rights to occupy a specific residence under a legal agreement.
Most TICs begin as multi-unit properties.
Instead of purchasing the entire building, each owner purchases an ownership interest tied to their residence.
That structure often creates a purchase price that's more attainable than buying a comparable condominium in the same neighborhood.
Why Buyers Overlook TICs
The biggest obstacle isn't usually financing.
It's education.
Many buyers hear "TIC" and immediately assume:
Banks won't finance them.
They're too risky.
They're only for investors.
Nobody knows how they work.
None of those assumptions are universally true.
Financing has improved dramatically over the years, and experienced lenders can help qualified buyers navigate the process.
Is a TIC Right for Everyone?
No.
Like any form of ownership, there are advantages and considerations.
The financing process is different from a traditional condominium.
The legal documents deserve careful review.
Working with professionals who understand TIC transactions is essential.
But for the right buyer, a TIC can open doors that seemed permanently closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you finance a TIC?
Yes. Financing options exist for qualified borrowers, although underwriting and documentation differ from standard condominium financing.
Are TICs only in San Francisco?
They're most commonly associated with San Francisco, but similar ownership structures exist in other markets such as Los Angeles and San Diego.
Are TICs the same as condos?
No. Condominiums and TICs are different forms of ownership with different legal structures and financing considerations.
Final Thoughts
The biggest mistake buyers make isn't saying no to a TIC.
It's never learning what one actually is.
Sometimes the opportunity you've been looking for isn't a different house.
It's a different way of owning one.
For more please visit our page here:
As well as some presentations on the subject here:
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