Buying a Home When You’ve Got a Bigger Deposit Than Your Partner

This week on The Vault, we tackled a dilemma that’s so common but rarely talked about: what happens when you’re the one with the house deposit, but your partner isn’t?

It’s a tricky place to be. You’ve saved hard, maybe for years, and finally have a solid chunk of cash ready to put down on a new home. 

But your partner? Not so much.

One listener wrote in with this situation:

“I’ve got about £50k saved for a deposit, but my boyfriend doesn’t have much saved yet. We both earn good salaries, so affording the mortgage together is possible, but the deposit would be coming 100% from me. Should I buy a place alone? Or is it okay to buy together with him, even though he’s not putting in the deposit? How do I make sure it’s fair?”

Sound familiar?

Here’s what we said in this week’s episode:

It’s absolutely okay to be cautious and thoughtful about this.

Buying a house with your partner is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make and putting in all the deposit yourself can bring up feelings of imbalance and worry.

We shared why it’s important to talk openly about ownership, finances, and fairness before you get into it:

• Protect yourself legally. If you’re contributing the deposit alone but buying jointly, consider getting a cohabitation agreement or a declaration of trust. This way, if things don’t work out, your money is protected.
• Think about ownership shares. You might not split ownership 50/50, you could own more of the property because of your deposit. This is something to discuss and agree on upfront.
• Plan for the future. What happens if one of you wants to sell? What if your financial situations change? Talking through these scenarios early can save upset later.
• Remember, it’s not just about the deposit. If you’re covering the deposit but splitting mortgage payments equally, that’s a form of fairness too.

And if it feels overwhelming, remember: it’s your money and your home, and you deserve to feel secure and valued in this process.

If you’re in this boat, don’t be afraid to get professional advice – a solicitor or financial advisor can help you draw up agreements that protect you both.

Because at the end of the day, love and money mix best when you’re both on the same page.

Want to hear us unpack this one fully?

Catch the latest episode of The Vault now on:

🎧 Spotify

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