Buying guide

Refinancing your mortgage after a breakup or divorce

What happens to the mortgage when you separate?

Murray Joiner
Last updated: 15 May 2024 | 3 min read
AI

AI summary

Separating with a joint mortgage means both partners remain liable for payments until the property is sold or refinanced. The house is often sold, with proceeds first repaying the mortgage before the remaining equity is divided.

One partner can buy the other out but must qualify for a new mortgage alone. Under the Property (Relationships) Act, assets are typically split equally. However, couples can create a 'contracting-out' agreement to specify a different arrangement, often for fairness or children's stability.

What happens to the mortgage when you separate?

What is the law around dividing up relationship property?

Does shared property have to be split equally when you break up?

Why would someone agree to less than half the house in a break up?

Authors

Murray Joiner Murray Joiner
Content Writer

Karina Reardon Karina Reardon
Head of Strategic Partnerships