Married Couple House Purchase: How to Buy a Home Together in the UK

When a married couple buys a house in the UK, they’re not just signing a mortgage—they’re choosing a legal structure that can change everything from inheritance to separation. This is called joint property ownership, a legal arrangement where two or more people hold title to a property together, with rights that depend on how the deed is written. Also known as co-ownership homes, it’s not one-size-fits-all: you can own as joint tenants or tenants in common, and each option has real consequences. Most couples assume they’ll automatically own the home together, but the law doesn’t work that way. If you don’t specify how you’re holding title, you could end up with an arrangement that doesn’t match your intentions—especially if one partner dies or the relationship ends.

Joint tenancy means both partners own the whole property equally. If one partner passes away, their share automatically goes to the other—no will needed. It’s simple, popular among married couples, and avoids probate. But if you’re bringing different amounts to the deposit, or one partner owns property before marriage, tenancy in common, a form of co-ownership where each person owns a specific share, which can be passed on through a will. Also known as shared ownership, it lets you split the property 60/40, 70/30, or any way you agree. This matters if you want your share to go to your kids from a previous relationship, or if you’re concerned about what happens if your partner remarries.

What most couples don’t realize is that how you own the home affects your mortgage approval, tax liability, and even what happens if you split up. Lenders look at both incomes, but if one person has debt or a lower credit score, it can impact the loan. And if you’re buying through a shared ownership scheme—where you own part of the home and rent the rest—your ownership structure becomes even more complex. You can’t just assume your spouse gets your share if you die; you need to update your legal paperwork. And if you’re thinking about staircasing to full ownership later, you’ll need to know how that affects your ownership type.

There’s no single right way to buy as a married couple. But there are plenty of wrong ways if you skip the legal details. The posts below cover real cases: how couples in the UK split ownership, what happens when one partner dies without a will, how shared ownership schemes handle marriage, and why some couples regret choosing joint tenancy without understanding the risks. You’ll find practical advice on deeds, inheritance, mortgage applications, and how to protect both partners—whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading after years together.