Co-buying a home with your partner?

Buying a home together is a significant financial and emotional commitment that requires open and honest conversations beyond just finding a property. The request for "checklists of conversations couples should have" indicates a desire for guidance on navigating this complex shared journey.

Key conversations and checklist items for co-buyers include:

  • Financial Alignment: Discussing individual savings for a deposit, realistic borrowing capacity, hidden costs (loan fees, insurance, stamp duty), and utilizing government initiatives. It is also crucial to budget for future changes, such as one partner taking time off for family responsibilities.  

  • Property "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves": Aligning on desired locations, proximity to work, transport, schools, and amenities. Discussions should cover property attributes like the number of bedrooms/bathrooms, renovation preferences, and whether the purchase is for investment or a "forever home".  

  • Future & "Worst-Case" Planning: For unmarried couples, obtaining legal advice and potentially creating co-purchase agreements is vital. Deciding on the type of ownership (joint tenants vs. tenants in common) is also important. Building an emergency savings fund, ideally 2-6 months of mortgage repayments, provides a financial buffer. Crucial discussions should also cover how to split income/costs, when to sell/refinance, and what happens in the event of a relationship breakdown.