Take stock of your possessions (and debts and assets) – You should make a note, with your partner, of what you both own separately, and what money and assets, or debts, you have in your sole name. Yes, one day you may get married (and everything that you own becomes each other’s – in theory), but it’s important to know what each of you have before taking the big step of moving in together. 

Try and agree what would happen if you decide that your relationship is no longer working – We know it’s not a nice thing to think about, but if you can, make a decision about what would happen with the property, and indeed any shared possessions, if you decide to split up. It may seem like it will never happen. However, sadly, things change. When two people separate, the more amicable it can be for both parties, the better (as no one like arguing and fighting for things that could have been decided right from the out-set). 

Consider what would happen if one of you died – again, not many people like to consider what would happen, but it’s something that everyone should talk about. If you can both make decisions, and make sure that you get something put in writing, then you won’t have any issues if one of you passes away. A common misconception is that if you live together, everything passes to your partner; that’s not the case. Speak to our Wills and Probate team to find out how to start the ball rolling with drafting your Will. 

Think about how much of the property you will both own – now, we don’t want to be too obvious, but you can only own up to 100% of the property. However, if one partner contributes more to the purchase, you may decide that you want to own the property in unequal shares. Alternatively, you may decide that you want to instruct our team of property solicitors in Lancaster to draft a Declaration of Trust on your behalf to set out who owns what. 

Decide who will be doing what – our team are stepping away from the legal side of your property purchase here to give you some advice: make sure you share the chores fairly! Or don’t. If one of you is the born-cleaner, and the other has got green fingers, split chores that way – it’s up to you! Just make sure that you don’t get lumbered with everything, whilst your partner sits on the sofa sipping their mojito!