You might have already been in conversation with your partner about buying a home together in Adelaide. However, as first home buyer experts, we advise you to consider several things before investing.
First and foremost, the law draws no differentiation between marriages and de facto unions regarding property ownership. Hence, it is imperative to learn that you will still be making a significant financial commitment if you are in a de facto relationship.
Odds are, if you are living with your partner, you might have made several financial commitments together and perhaps even share investment or bank account. These humbler commitments are a good starting point to prepare yourself to buy your first home in Adelaide and take out a mortgage together.
That being said, a mortgage is a significant financial decision and should not be taken lightly as relationships can come to an end. There should be an exit strategy to safeguard yourself and the assets you have bought with your partner.
Things You Need To Know
Lenders will consider you in a de facto relationship when you live together for more than three months.
Many first home buyers ask their parents to be their guarantors. It is one of the convenient ways to get help with your deposit. However, you should remember, if your relationship breaks down, this will cause financial risk and stress for the parents involved. So, make your decision wisely.
It is essential to have some difficult conversations with your partner, like detailing a plan for ending the relationship. Remember, you can always seek legal advice.
Important Considerations
Loan Repayments Or Deposit?
Will one of you, will be making a significant contribution to the loan repayments and the deposit? Or, will you evenly contribute? It is a fundamental factor to think about in a split; you will know how to divide the sale proceeds.
Ownership Structure
It is another critical concern, especially when you inherited assets from your loved one or own several assets before meeting your partner. The two most common ownership structures: tenants in common or joint tenants.
Tenants in common do not have the “right of survivorship, whereas under joint tenancy arrangement, if one of the partners dies, others will automatically inherit the property, and the split is 50/50.
Exit Strategy
Under certain circumstances, if your relationship ends, would either of you be able to buy the other out?
Seek Expert Advice
You always can discuss these alternatives with a legal professional to understand which is the most suitable choice for you.