Buying a house and getting married are life-changing milestones. They both require a lot of preparation, careful planning, decision-making, and above all else, budgeting. In the past, most couples would tie the knot before buying their first house. However, times have changed, and there are perks to both buying before and after you get married. As a real estate agent who works with a lot of first-time buyers and new families, I’ve helped a lot of couples through this exact decision. In this blog, I’ll share a few insights and considerations to help answer the question: Should you buy a home before or after getting married?
Buying a House After Getting Married: Pros and Cons
Let’s start with the perks of doing things the old-fashioned way – i.e. getting married first, then buying a home second.
Pro – Influence and Impression
Getting the best mortgage possible is a big part of buying a home. You should be aware lenders don’t just look at income and debt when determining what they’re willing to offer you.
Seeing that applicants are married can create an extra layer of trust for lenders. It shows that you’re capable of making major commitments and planning for the long term. Although it’s a subtle impression, it will influence what type of mortgage they’re willing to offer you.
On the same note, being married may also work in your favour if you need to appeal to a seller’s emotions when penning your offer.
Pro – Shared Security
No one ever plans on getting divorced, but it does happen. If you and your spouse ever split up in the future, you’ll both be guaranteed an equal share of the home. So, if you decide to sell it and split the proceeds, you’ll each get 50%. Or, if one person stays put, they can fairly buy out the other’s share (equity included).
Con – It’s a Lot of Money
Real estate isn’t cheap – and neither are weddings. The last thing you want to deal with when starting an exciting new chapter in your life is financial strain.
Getting married comes with all kinds of expenses. Even with proper planning, it can put a dent in your savings. Depending on how much money you spend on the wedding, honeymoon, and the first few years of your marriage, you may have less money to work with when it comes time to buy a house.
Thinking about buying a home in South Etobicoke? Check out these related blogs!
- Why You Should Consider Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
- How to Buy a House When You’re Expecting Kids
- Why Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent Matters
Buying a House Before Marriage: Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve looked at doing things the traditional way, let’s look at some of the benefits of buying a house together before you’re married.
Pro – Build Equity Sooner
Hands down, one of the best reasons to buy a house before marriage is that it allows you to start building wealth for yourself and your family sooner rather than later. Renting has its perks, but at the end of the day, you’re paying off someone else’s mortgage. When you and your partner become homeowners, you’re making a time-tested investment and creating a solid financial foundation for your future.
Pro – Greater Flexibility
Another perk of buying a home before marriage is flexibility. Put simply, you have the freedom to buy whenever you want without having to wait. Let’s say you find the perfect place and have your finances in order – you can make an offer!
On the other hand, if you’re dead set on waiting until you’ve tied the knot, you could miss out on certain opportunities in the market.
Con – The Legal Risks
One of the biggest drawbacks if you buy a house with someone else before you’re married, is that it’s risky. There will also be some potentially challenging conversations about money involved.
When you’re married, everything is essentially shared. However, if you make a home purchase as a common law couple, figuring out who pays for what can be a tough decision. Let’s say one person covers the entire down payment. Then mortgage payments are split equally – does that person own more of the house than the other?
Both partners will also face risks and uncertainties in the event of the breakup. Since common law partners aren’t guaranteed shared rights to the home, one partner could theoretically argue that they are the sole owner. This would leave the other with nothing to show for their financial contributions.
How to Protect Yourself When Buying a House With a Common Law Partner
In Ontario, the law is simply different for common law couples than it is for married couples. Even if you and your partner have been together for several years and are ready to make a major financial commitment together, the government still views your relationship differently compared to a legal marriage.
However, if you want to buy a house with someone before you are married, you and your partner can take precautions to protect yourselves in a worst-case scenario. For example, signing a cohabitation agreement (a legal document outlining each person’s rights to the property). This can create security in the event of a breakup. No matter how soon you plan to get married after you buy your house, having this type of agreement in place is a great safety net.
Looking to buy a house soon? Check out these blogs for more advice!
- Insider Tips For Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
- How to Buy a Home After You’ve Already Sold the One You Live In
- Should You Buy a Tear-Down Home in South Etobicoke?
Find Your Starter Home
Whether you’re ready to buy or haven’t decided which path is best for you and your partner, I’m here to help. As a local real estate agent, I know South Etobicoke’s homes, communities, and schools better than anyone. After getting to know you and your family, we’ll work together to find a starter home that fits your needs, budget, and goals for the future.
Ready to buy? I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or email me to get started.

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