If you are buying a property with your partner it is a good idea to agree at the outset whether you will own the property in equal or unequal shares, and which contributions you will make to the purchase price, mortgage and ongoing costs of running and improving the property.  This can be incorporated into a Cohabitation Agreement.

If you do not have a Cohabitation Agreement and your relationship breaks down, you should be aware of the following.

If the property is in joint names, even if you have made little contribution to its purchase or the mortgage or maintenance, you will be entitled to a half share.


If you have no legal or beneficial entitlement, that is you are not mentioned on the deeds or the mortgage but have been promised a share by your partner (especially if this is in writing) then you would be entitled to at least the amount your partner promised you providing there is evidence of this.


If you have contributed to the purchase of the property or the mortgage or maintenance or there is evidence of a direct financial contribution you may have a claim especially if you have done something to your detriment, that is have acted in a way that has imposed a burden upon you.


If you are parents of children under the age of 18 who are living in the property, and there is no alternative accommodation and you have decided to separate, it may be that one parent and the child or children may be permitted to occupy the property until the children are adults. In these special circumstances the other parent could be excluded from his, or her, own property.


This can be a complex area of law. If it affects you please see a member of our Family Team for advice.