Unmarried Couples Buying A House May 2026

: Both partners own 50%. If one dies, their share automatically goes to the survivor without going through probate.

Buying a home as an unmarried couple lacks the "default" legal safety net of marriage, but you can create your own protections through careful planning. unmarried couples buying a house

: Lenders typically use the lower of the two credit scores to set interest rates. If one partner has poor credit, it might be better for the other to apply alone. : Both partners own 50%

: Explicitly state who provided the down payment and how equity will be split if the home is sold. : Lenders typically use the lower of the

: Consider taking out life insurance policies naming each other as beneficiaries. This ensures the surviving partner can cover the mortgage or buy out the deceased partner's heirs if necessary.

How you hold the "title" determines legal ownership and what happens if one partner dies.