Traditionally it's been what's on the legal property ownership documents that's counted. But that may change..

Earlier today the Supreme Court passed a judgement relating to a couple who’d bought a house together, which could affect thousands more couples who own property together. In this case, the ex boyfriend wanted to claim a percentage of the increase in the property's value during the 14 years after they’d split up – when he’d made no payments to the mortgage. The court said that even though in law they owned the property 50:50, it shouldn't be divided like that.

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If you agree to a charge being placed on the family home for your business (or your partner’s) what should you watch out for?

A couple of weeks ago I received an email from someone who’d split up with her husband and who discovered that her husband’s bank wanted to repossess the property to pay off a charge taken out against a business loan. When she signed the agreement she had no idea that the consequences could be so serious. But in the current tough economic climate, banks are increasingly looking for family assets (such as property) as security for loans and overdrafts. What are the pitfalls?

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Owning a property with your partner is often seen as an emotional as well as a financial commitment. What do you need to think about?

Reviewed 26th April 2011.

If you know you’re able to afford the costs of buying a home together, you’re pretty comfortable about sharing your living space and you’ve saved up for a chunky deposit, taking the next step is likely to be a positive move. OK, so you may not have the same ideas about tidiness but if you’re happy to compromise you’re on the way towards a harmonious home. But what should you consider before you start searching online or doing a grand tour of estate agents’ windows?

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