Untangling your home from your relationship — here’s how to do it smoothly.
When a relationship ends and you own a property together, one of the most common outcomes is that one partner wants to stay in the home — and buy the other out.
This process can feel emotionally and financially overwhelming. But with the right advice and planning, it’s totally doable.
💷 What Does ‘Buying Out’ a Partner Mean?
Buying someone out means paying them their share of the property’s equity so that you become the sole owner.
✅ Your ex gets their money
✅ Their name comes off the mortgage and title deeds
✅ You take full financial responsibility for the mortgage going forward
🧮 How Is the Equity Calculated?
- Get a property valuation (from an estate agent or RICS surveyor)
- Subtract the outstanding mortgage balance
- Divide the remaining equity between you — usually 50/50 unless agreed otherwise in legal paperwork or court
💡 Example: If your house is worth £300,000 and you owe £200,000, the equity is £100,000. A 50% share = £50,000.
🏦 How Do You Fund the Buyout?
You’ll typically need to remortgage to:
- Cover the existing mortgage
- Release extra funds to pay your ex’s share
Your income, credit status, and affordability will all be assessed — just like any other mortgage application.
🧾 What Else Will You Need to Do?
- Apply for a sole name mortgage
- Have a solicitor update the title deeds
- Possibly complete a Deed of Trust or Consent Order to formalise any agreements
❌ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Not getting a formal valuation
- Assuming you can afford the mortgage without checking first
- Taking verbal agreements as legally binding
💬 Need Help Buying Out Your Ex?
Buying an ex-partner out is a big step — emotionally and financially. I’ll guide you through the mortgage options, help with affordability checks, and connect you with solicitors if needed.
✅ Understand how much you can borrow
✅ Find the right lender for your situation
✅ Take control of your next chapter