The family factor: Should you buy property with a loved one?

Purchasing a property with a loved one can be a great way to enter to the property market, but
taking on such a large financial responsibility with someone else does come with risks. These are
some of the pros and cons to consider before you both sign your names on the contract.

PRO: Entering the property market earlier – or at all

Rising house prices, the need to save for a deposit and the risk of fluctuating interest rates can all
make getting your foot in the home-ownership door very difficult. It may seem an impossible task at
times, and it can take years before you’re in a serious position to purchase. Buying property with a
friend or family member means the dream of home ownership can be realised much sooner.

PRO: Buying where you want versus where you can afford

Sharing loan repayments with another person can be easier in terms of servicing the loan and may
allow you to borrow more. It might mean the difference between buying that inner-city place you’ve
always wanted and settling for a suburb you’ve never heard of. By pooling purchasing power you
can find your ideal home, which otherwise might have been beyond your budget.

PRO: A burden shared is a burden halved

Buying a property with a friend or family member not only means costs are shared upfront, but also
across the life of the loan. The proportion of costs taken on by each person in the arrangement will
vary depending on individual circumstances, but as an example, each person might pay half the
deposit, half the legal fees, half the monthly repayments, half the rates, half the utilities, and half
the insurance.

CON: All care and all responsibility

Although you’ll only need to pay an agreed percentage or amount of the monthly repayments while
things are tracking as planned, the entire repayment may become your sole responsibility if your
loved one suddenly can’t make their monthly contribution. You are both liable to ensure the full
loan repayment amount is paid when it falls due, for the term of the loan.
It’s important to plan for the worst-case scenario: could you make the full monthly repayments if
you had to? If your partner loses the ability to make their share of the repayments and you can’t
cover the full monthly amount, you may need to discuss your repayment arrangements with your
lender.

CON: Restricted capacity to invest in more property

You may only be paying your part of the repayments each month, but if you wanted to apply for
another loan you could be seen by the lender to be carrying the full risk of your joint loan. So if you
decide you want to expand your property portfolio or take out a loan for a car, you might find you
can’t borrow as much as you thought.

CON: Life happens

While home ownership might be a great idea for you and your potential property partner right now,
it’s important to talk about what your goals are, both personally and for the property.
Do you both plan to live in the property? What happens if your partner wants to move out and rent
out their room? What happens if they want to sell before you do? Will you be in a position to buy
them out, and could you afford the costs of refinancing and possibly paying sizable loan fees
and/or government fees and charges all over again? These are important questions to ask of each
other, and yourself, as you consider making a joint investment.

It’s wise to have things written down in a formal agreement before you actually buy a property; a
property lawyer will be able to advise you on the best way to do this.
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Buying a property with another person can reap great financial rewards, but it’s important to have
your eyes wide open and be as thorough as you can to ensure you’re prepared for any scenario.
Speaking to an expert is crucial, as they will advise you of the conversations you need to have with
your property partner before you take the plunge. Your mortgage broker can help with any queries
you may have.