Who gets the house when couples split?

It’s not a romantic topic, but couples need to make sure they understand their property rights before buying a house together, says Emma Lunn.

17-2-9-wedding-cake-1200

Think about who will keep the house should you split up
(Image credit: This content is subject to copyright.)

Love might be in the air this Valentine's Day, but couples thinking of moving in together, buying a property, or getting married should read up on their financial rights and responsibilities first. Unfortunately, many couples buying a house together don't discuss what they would do if their relationship didn't last. A third of first-time buyers contributing unequal amounts to a property purchase with a partner don't have a legal agreement in place to protect their money, according to research by law firm Simpson Millar. One in five gave their reason for this as a fear of "damaging trust" with partners, parents or friends.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Emma Lunn

Emma Lunn is a multi-award-winning journalist who specialises in personal finance and consumer issues. With more than 18 years’ experience in personal finance, Emma has covered topics including mortgages, first-time buyers, leasehold, banking, debt, budgeting, broadband, energy, pensions and investments. Emma’s one of the most prolific freelance personal finance journalists with a back catalogue of work in newspapers such as The Guardian, The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday and the Mirror. As a freelancer she has also completed various in-house contracts at The Guardian, The Independent, Mortgage Solutions, Orange and Moneywise. 

She also writes regularly for specialist magazines and websites such as Property Hub, Mortgage Strategy and YourMoney.com. She’s particularly proud of her work writing about the leasehold sector and a Guardian front-page story about a dodgy landlord. She has a real passion for helping people learn about money – especially when many people are struggling to get by in today’s challenging economic climate – and prides herself on simplifying complex subjects.