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Things to consider when buying a property with your partner

WHEN IT COMES TO DECIDING WHETHER TO BUY A PROPERTY WITH YOUR PARTNER, THERE ARE SOME ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS TO BE HAD BEFORE TAKING THE PLUNGE.

While it may not feel overly romantic, discussing your finances and dream future is the best way to ensure you’re on the same page.

Whether you're first-time buyers or joining forces to upsize, we have the questions to consider when looking to buy a home with your partner.

1. BE READY TO DISCUSS FINANCES

While it can sometimes be a tricky topic, discussing your finances is by far the most important one. Make sure you talk through your financial situation with your partner before committing to long-term plans.

A conversation with a mortgage broker will look at:

  • Individual incomes
  • Existing debts or financial commitments
  • Credit scores
  • How much each of you can realistically contribute

Lenders assess both applicants on a joint mortgage, meaning one partner’s financial situation can affect the borrowing power for both of you.

If you want to check how much you can afford with your joint income, use a mortgage calculator to estimate monthly mortgage repayments. Or book an appointment to talk with one of our Mortgage Consultants.

2. BE OPEN TO COMPROMISE

When buying a home with your partner, ensure you’re flexible and open to compromise on certain things, such as location and budget. Your dream home may not be your partner’s dream home, so it’s important to find a middle ground.

Try to bear in mind what’s important to them and why, including:

  • Local amenities
  • The commute to work
  • The size of the property
  • Their lifestyle

Ensure both of your opinions are taken into account to find the golden spot that is perfect for you as a couple.

3. CONSIDER WHAT HAPPENS IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT

It may not be the most optimistic or romantic conversation, but it’s essential to think about what will happen if things don’t work out. After all, a mortgage is a legally binding agreement that you are both committing to, so all eventualities need to be considered.

How you own the property matters - it’s important to decide whether you want to be joint tenants or tenants in common.

Joint tenants: You both own the property equally (50/50), regardless of financial contributions. If one partner dies, the property automatically passes to the other.

Tenants in common: You own specific shares (for example, 70/30), which is useful if one partner contributes more to the deposit or mortgage.

Discuss which one would work for your situation and think about all eventualities to make sure you’re covered.

4. LOOK TO THE FUTURE

While these conversations might feel like a precaution, they’ll help you plan ahead with confidence. Once you’ve agreed on the essentials, start thinking about what you’ll need from your home in the years to come.

If you’re planning to stay put for a while, it’s worth discussing future priorities with your partner - whether that’s children, pets, or lifestyle changes that could influence your choice of property.

Consider if you may need to think of a property with:

  • A garden for pets
  • Good schools nearby
  • Parking space for one or more cars

Once you’ve covered these bases, you’ll have a solid understanding of what you’re both looking for. Take into account if you can upsize as you’re combining your incomes, or if downsizing is a smarter financial move in the long run. Once you iron out these facts, you can start looking for your dream home!

FAQs

What happens if one partner pays more for the house?

Paying more toward the deposit or mortgage doesn’t automatically give you a larger legal share. If you’re joint tenants, the law treats you as owning 50/50 regardless of contributions. To represent what might be unequal shares, use a declaration (or deed) of trust specifying each partner’s beneficial interest.

Is it better to buy as joint tenants or tenants in common?

In the UK, joint tenants both own the property equally with automatic rights of survivorship. Tenants in common lets you own defined shares (e.g. 70/30), which can be useful where contributions differ.

Can unmarried couples get a joint mortgage?

Yes - unmarried couples can take out a joint mortgage together. Lenders will assess both applicants’ income, credit, and debts. But remember that both partners remain jointly liable for the full debt even if only one pays.*

What if we split up after buying a house together?

If you split up, what you each get depends on how the property is owned and any deed of trust. Without clear shares, courts may assume equal ownership even if contributions differ. A declaration of trust is a legal document that defines ownership rights, and if there is an unequal investment, it helps to define how proceeds are shared on sale or separation.

Despite some of these questions being a bit difficult, they’re essential topics to cover with each other before you decide to take the next step.

After sorting everything out (or the most important things), you’ll both be on the same page and ready to find your dream home together.

Find a home that’s perfect for you both here.



 

Information correct at time of publishing - 10th February 2026

Any fees payable will be explained in your initial no-obligation appointment, before you choose whether to use our Mortgage Services.

MS/CON/8550/02.26

Source:

* HomeOwners Alliance January 2026