A 2026 survey from Barratt Homes found that 49% of Brits believe couples should wait at least one to two years before buying a property together, and only 12% think it is acceptable within the first year of dating. The findings come as a TikTok creator, @charljadehome, 25, revealed she has bought a home with her partner of 10 months, sparking debate online over whether the decision was romantic or naïve.
Experts Weigh In on Timing and Finances
Sophie Graham, personal finance expert at Sunny, told Metro that the decision should not be based on how long a couple has been together, but on whether they are prepared to ask each other in-depth money questions. She said both partners should have a clear picture of each other's finances, including income, savings, debts, credit history and regular spending.
Graham also stressed the importance of discussing how the deposit, mortgage payments and household bills will be split, particularly if one person contributes more than the other. She advised couples to discuss the less comfortable 'what ifs' as well, such as what would happen if circumstances changed or the relationship ended, and recommended agreeing on how the property will be owned and getting the right legal arrangements in place.
Legal Rights and Practical Questions
Adrian MacDiarmid, Head of Mortgage Relations at Barratt Homes, explained to Metro that a Deed of Trust or cohabitation agreement is crucial when buying a property with two or more co-owners. He said a Deed of Trust is a legal document that records who owns what share of a property and how sale proceeds should be divided, and can be useful where owners have contributed different amounts to the deposit or mortgage payments.
Vix Leyton, consumer expert at thinkmoney, recommended discussing how much breathing room both partners want after the mortgage is paid. She said the mortgage payment is only one part of home ownership, and there will always be something that needs repairing at the least convenient possible moment. She also warned against making sweeping statements, noting that one person's idea of a fixer-upper is a new kitchen and a lick of paint, while the other's is bare floorboards, rewiring and six months of living next to a skip.
Relationship Readiness and Key Questions
Jonathan Eddie, a counsellor and psychotherapist, told Metro that 10 months into a relationship puts most couples squarely in the early 'honeymoon' phase, where they easily experience attraction, sexual desire, excitement and infatuation. He said this stage will not last, and it is during the next stage that couples really discover whether they are compatible as long-term partners. He advised trying renting for a year or two first before buying.
Relationship coach Kate Mansfield said 10 months is not automatically reckless, just as five years is not automatically wise. She said what matters is whether the couple has gathered enough real-life evidence about one another, not simply whether they have accumulated enough time on the calendar. She outlined key questions to ask each other before purchasing a home, including individual income, savings, debt, credit history and spending habits; who is contributing what to the deposit, mortgage, bills and repairs; expectations regarding marriage, kids, careers and location; how ownership will be structured; what happens if one person wants to sell; what happens if one person loses income; what happens if the relationship ends; and whether the couple has handled conflict, stress, and disappointment respectfully.
