Should we buy in one name or joint names?
Couples often search for a single “best” answer here, but the reality is trade‑offs. Buying in one name vs jointly affects legal ownership and risk. Separately, you still need a monthly plan for mortgage + bills that feels fair and stays resilient. This guide focuses on budgeting clarity and the questions worth discussing — it is not legal advice.
Agree the monthly plan first
Opens the main calculator so you can agree shared costs, pick a fair split, and stress test the plan before worrying about structure.
No signup. Private. Links are shareable and can be reset anytime.
A neutral way to think about it
A useful order of operations is:
- Agree a monthly plan you can both sustain (shared costs, split rule, leftovers).
- Stress test that plan (+1%, +2%, and one-income).
- Discuss the ownership/legal structure with the right professional support if needed.
Keeping the monthly plan separate from the legal structure reduces confusion and prevents “we can’t even talk about it” deadlocks.
Budgeting questions to discuss as a couple
- What counts as shared costs (including whether groceries are shared)?
- Are you aiming for equal contributions, equal leftovers, or a stable custom rule?
- If one person contributes a bigger deposit, how do you want to treat that separately?
- What happens if one income drops temporarily?
- What savings goal do you want to protect each month?
FAQ
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is neutral information for budgeting and decision-making. For legal advice about ownership and rights, speak to a solicitor.
Does buying jointly mean we must pay 50/50?
No. Ownership structure and monthly affordability are separate. Many couples own jointly but split costs proportionally or via a custom rule.
Does buying in one name mean the other person shouldn’t contribute?
Not necessarily. Couples often agree a contribution to shared housing costs because both benefit from living there. The important part is clarity about what that contribution represents.
What’s the safest next step if we’re unsure?
Use the calculator to agree a monthly plan you can both sustain, then get professional advice for the legal structure if needed.
Reminder: this tool provides budgeting guidance, not legal or financial advice.
Explore related UK guides
Quick links: one paid bigger deposit, partner moves in later, split mortgage by income, what counts as shared costs.
Related guides
How to budget maintenance costs
Why a buffer matters and how it changes monthly affordability.
Mortgage & bills split calculator
Run your numbers live and share a scenario link.
How the maths works
Mortgage formula, totals, leftovers, and what’s included.
Stress test for rate rises and one income
+1% / +2% and one-income checks in plain English.
How much house can we afford (and still save)?
Affordability framing using leftovers + a savings goal.
Stamp Duty (SDLT) calculator for couples
Standard vs first-time buyer relief + surcharges.
How much deposit do we need as a couple?
Compare deposit sizes and see how they change payments and resilience.
Can we afford a house if one income stops?
A resilience check using shared costs and stress tests.
How to split bills when living together
A clear 3-step system that avoids monthly negotiation.
What counts as shared costs?
A clear shared-cost list and what to keep personal.
Tip: open a guide in one tab and the calculator in another to compare options quickly.