Couple needs to discuss condo ownership

Q– I’m in a committed loving long-term relationship with my partner. Five years ago, she bought a condo, ready for summer 2022.

We met over a year ago and our relationship is great. We want to live together as the next step.

What are your thoughts about me being a co-owner? Since it's a serious relationship it would make sense, right? I’d appreciate your advice and thoughts.

Love and Real Estate

A– I’ll start with thoughts since you two should be talking to a lawyer soon, before the condo is finished.

On the relationship side, whether you move together at your current place or hers, it’ll mean sharing living costs and daily habits/needs.

You’ll both need to recognize and discuss openly any relationship issues that arise when sharing so much space and time.

Closer to the condo coownership decision and after you get legal advice, your relationship needs to feel firm and trusting as you both analyze the ownership question.

This purchase was initially your partner’s personal investment. Ask her directly what her expectations were, e.g., sole ownership and have they changed? By this time, you should also know whether you’re considering marrying and the legal implications.

The same laws don’t always apply to common-law unions, depending on the legal jurisdiction where you live.

My relationship advice is to discuss all this now, again in six months and again before making a final decision.