You bought a property jointly in the name of yourself and your wife, but the entire money spent on the purchase came from you. Now you are planning to sell it and are wondering whether the new property that you plan to purchase for long-term capital gains (LTCG) exemption, should also be jointly owned by you and your spouse or if your sole ownership also works. It's an interesting question, and one that has income tax implications, so you need to be careful. The most important point to note in this matter is the proof of the financing for the first property. If you have a clear trail and adequate documentation that can establish the money to buy the first property was entirely yours, then the new property need not be purchased in joint names.