Shared ownership of a property

Can anyone tell me if two or three people can buy a property together without having to form a company and issue shares?

 Yes they can

I was talking to a lady just yesterday who was living an apartment jointly owned by her four children (but  paid for by her). 

 Although she is resident,  as the children are non-resident, they have to pay the non resident property owners tax. 

Yes, of course they can.

And property shares can be adjudicated to differet people without needing to form a company. 

On a shared 50% property, both wanted to give each other lifetime occupation rights on either death, but have been told that to do so would result in tax liabilities etc. If either one dies, can the surviving spouse continue undisturbed by heirs?

The heirs would still have to pay the inheritance tax., and thus would be part owner/s.  They of course could allow the surviving 50% share holder to live there but equally they could make waves

A "usufruct" was proposed to cover any "waves" but was discouraged? I would have though this usufructo" was a way to prevent a surviving spouse to have security of tenure?

 If the deceasor leaves to you lifetime usufruct on the property, you would just own the half that was originally yours and the other one will be owned by heirs after probate. Nevertheless, and by virtue of usufruct rights, no one could force you to leave the house while you are alive.

Maria as an expert, could you explain the tax position for Feeg ?

Regarding taxes in the usufruct for widow scheme:

On a shared 50% property, both wanted to give each other lifetime occupation rights on either death, but have been told that to do so would result in tax liabilities etc. 

Legal tip 944. IHT on my usufruct as widow? 
10 May 2013 @ 17:40