: 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.

: You can own unequal shares (e.g., 70/30). If one partner dies, their share goes to their chosen heirs rather than automatically to the surviving partner.

To help you move forward, do you have a specific in mind or a target budget ? Knowing your area can help determine which local property laws or first-time homebuyer programs might apply to you. What unmarried couples buying a house together need to know

: 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.

: Agree on how to split monthly costs like the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and maintenance (e.g., 50/50 or proportional to income). 2. Choose the Right Title Structure

: If both names are on the mortgage, both are 100% responsible for the loan. If one partner stops paying, the other is still legally obligated to cover the full amount to avoid foreclosure.