Buying home with girlfriend

Lazzza

It might seem a nice gesture but given the obvious risks the question is, why would you? If it all pans out you can cut her in at some stage in the future in a way that reflects where you're at.

You might also find in the meantime that her credit rating and income affect your ability to borrow what you need (were you to be mad enough to buy jointly).

InkZ

I've been with my Girlfriend for 5 years now. When we got together I owned my own flat, and I made sure I only charged her enough rent to cover some of the bills. We are now only just buying a house together and it will be really uneven as I take home about 2.5x what she does and the majority of the deposit is mine. She has saved hard and put what she can towards it which gives me comfort.

Just say you're not ready to make that commitment yet, as it's only been 8 months. If she gets funny with you, then it's not meant to be.

If you want to avoid all confrontation then just rent!

donnap83

God, I remember when I moved in with my my fiance 2 years ago. We rent, but it was such an eye opener!!

Obviously we'd stayed over at each others homes in the time before we moved in, but it was a huge learning curve for the both of us. So much so that we nearly split up. We fell out constantly, bickered over the smallest of things, like tidying up etc.

Thankfully we sat down and sorted things out, and 2 years later we're still together, getting married next June, have a (bonkers) dog and very much happy. We still rent, as Harrogate is incredibly expensive. One day I hope we'll buy, but I suspect it'll be a while yet...

maxamilllion

Have a read of my thread. (cant post links but its my only started post) . This is my story of how it can go wrong. I know I'm probably a bit sensitive to this and this is the worst possible scenario but doesn't hurt to be aware. Nobody knows whats going to happen in the future.
Wish you all the best though whatever you decide

ClaphamRanger

Not selfish at all - If you are paying deposit, mortgage and bills yourself then I think putting the house in your name is the only sensible thing to do. G/f might not be happy but will hopefully understand. Can always change the situation if you end up getting married...

JustTakeAllMyMoney

Get a 'tennants in common' agreement written up detailing who gets what if you split, I was in a simular situation as you 8 years back at the time gf didnt want the agreement as 'we would never split up' in her words but I insisted, best thing I ever did. We split up (she met someone else) and decided she wanted 50% of everything ok if kids were involved or married I would of given the 50% but there wasnt so why should I give her more than what was put in, anyway the 'tennants in common' agreement kicked in and I got back what I put in (about 90%) and she got her 10%.

Also after 8 months I wouldnt buy with someone but its up to you.

sonastin

You need to have the conversation with your girlfriend. If you're not ready for the conversation, you're not ready to buy a house together. If she can't see it from your perspective, she's not ready to own a house with you. If you can both talk about it like adults and reach a comfortable agreement that suits you both, you should be living together. 8 months or 8 years is irrelevant - its down to when its the right time for the two of you.

FWIW I would say the house should be in your name only as you're the one paying for it. You should get a deed of trust drawn up and it could always include a commitment from you to help her with the cost of moving out if the worst came to the worst and if she's looking for protection from being thrown out on the street with nothing to show for it. But that's something that you need to work out with her.

mrstinchcombe

You should never have suggested "buying a house with the girlfriend" to her, you have no intention of buying a place with her. The discussion you should have had is "I'm buying a place, want to live with me?".

Play with the emotions in your 8 month long relationship all you like, its not always the best idea!