Should You Buy Before or After You Get Married?

A Practical Guide for Couples Thinking About Homeownership

If you're in a serious relationship and dreaming of your first home together, you may be wondering: Should we buy now, or wait until after the wedding?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Buying a home as an unmarried couple has its benefits and its risks. The same goes for waiting until after you’re legally married.

Here’s what to consider so you can make the decision that’s best for your future.

1. Buying Before Marriage: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Start building equity sooner instead of renting

• Lock in current mortgage rates before they rise

• Buy when the right home appears, no need to delay for wedding planning

• May benefit from two incomes on the loan application

⚠️ Cons

• If the relationship ends, untangling ownership can be messy

• Legal protection is weaker without marriage

• You’ll need a co-ownership agreement to define who owns what and how to handle a sale or buyout

Bottom Line: If you're financially and emotionally ready, buying before marriage is possible — just make sure you take the legal precautions.

2. Buying After Marriage: Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

• Legal protections automatically apply (inheritance, shared debt, etc.)

• Mortgage, title, and tax filing can be simpler as a married couple

• May qualify for better financing or tax benefits as joint filers

• Less risk if the relationship ends, laws help divide assets

⚠️ Cons

• Waiting may cost you if home prices or interest rates rise

• You may feel rushed after the wedding when your budget is tight

• You might miss the perfect home by waiting

Bottom Line: Buying after marriage is legally simpler, but potentially less flexible if the right property comes along before the big day.

3. Key Questions to Ask Yourself

• Are we financially ready to buy, regardless of marital status?

• Do we have savings for a down payment, closing costs, and emergencies?

• Is our income stable?

• Have we talked about co-ownership responsibilities and legal agreements?

• Are we buying for the long term or just a starter home?

4. Legal & Financial Considerations (If Buying Before Marriage)

If you choose to buy before tying the knot:

• Decide how to hold the title (joint tenancy vs. tenants in common)

• Put everything in writing: ownership percentages, responsibility for payments, exit plans

• Consider consulting a real estate attorney

• Talk to a mortgage advisor about whose credit will be used and how you’ll apply

Final Thoughts

Marriage isn’t a requirement for homeownership, but it does change how the process works legally and financially.

The most important thing is that you both feel confident in your timing, your finances, and your shared vision for the future.

Thinking about buying a home together — before or after the big day ?Let’s talk through your options and create a smart plan that fits your timeline, goals, and budget.