to think the house should be in my name too

[CharlotteCollinsneeLucas]

DP and I are buying a house. We're each contributing deposits of about 35% of the value, with the final 30% being DP's mortgage which he's moving over from his current house.

The solicitor's just said the legal title has to match the mortgage offer. So since the mortgage is in his name, the house has to be, too.

I feel really insulted! I'm paying for a third of this house, but I can't have my name on the deeds?

I fully admit to knowing almost nothing about house-buying, but I wasn't expecting this. It seems so unfair!

not wanting to push for your name on the deeds

Who said I don't want to push for my name on the deeds?! That's exactly why I started this thread - to get some advice!

Take the advice on here OP.. good luck

Oooh. If you're porting the mortgage, chances are it's to keep the deal you're on, yes? Is it good? Or are you porting cos it's easier? Because very often, they'll only let you move the mortgage on exactly the same terms and conditions - it might not be possible to add you.

Doesn't stop you exploring the other ways to protect your 35% investment.

If you have to go back and start looking for mortgages again, I can recommend the online brokers, Habito. It does NOT feel like a ballache, it's surprisingly personal for an online only thing, and our adviser was super-responsive and found us a great deal - our circumstances aren't straightforward, but he made it easy.

HSBC allow you to both be on deeds and one person on mortgage. My solicitor wasn't aware until i informed her and she checked if out with them

Useful to know, thanks. There was I, expecting the solicitor to know what she was talking about...

Don’t let him ring and ask- you need to do this for yourself.
I’d also be asking your solicitor how you can protect your 35% and get that sorted before even considering to do this.

When we bought our house 15 years ago I was a sahp, our financial advisor was mortified that I wasn't bothered about being on the mortgage - he wouldn't proceed without us both on board. I tbought we wouldn't get the mortgage but it was fine..

You can get a joint mortgage, in two names, but with only one income taken into consideration - I know, I have one

I had no idea that was possible. That's encouraging, should we have to start the process again.

I've not RTFT but do not put a penny into the house if your name is not on the deeds. Especially as you have 4 children.

I'd consult another solicitor and ask a few banks/ mortgage brokers for advice on how best to proceed.

You need independent legal advice. I'm surprised your DH's solicitor hasn't referenced this yet. You will almost certainly be required to obtain it before signing any legal documents etc

We're getting married before we complete the purchase, and until today I thought we'd be owning the house together.
How has this come as a surprise to you?
Is it because you have been leaving the financial admin up to him, & are just now getting to grips with how it works?
Or has he pulled the wool over your eyes, & expects you just to play along because he is offering a marriage certificate?

So sorry OP but unless he is a little financially illiterate, you are being played here.

I think you're all right, I don't want my name not on the deeds, even though if it's the marital home it matters less, I think?
It matters.
In terms of your own financial input & security.
But also in terms of how in the name of holy fuck your DP expects you to accept this.
I would be very, very, wary of a partner who was happy to leave his DP/wife off the deeds when she is also contributing to the purchase.
It stinks of subterfuge / ill intent.
Hope I'm wrong.
Find out, OP, via your OWN lawyer - not his, & not some bloody corporate conveyancer or mortgage broker. Or you may never see your capital again.

Furrydogmum

sounds like you had a very good solicitor.. diligent

You need to protect your investment and your children. You might be planning and wedding thinking everything is rosy but life changes and you don't know what the future holds. If he wants the house and the mortgage in his name then let him buy the whole bloòdy thing! But I'm guessing he needs your money and it's a large chunk of money if you're buying a house for 7 people. Think practical and business like, take the emotions out

I would absolutely refuse to pay what will be many thousands of pounds towards a property I would have no legal title to. Fuck that! I would literally refuse point blank to proceed.

You aren't married yet either. If you proceed on this basis, the marriage doesn't happen for any reason and you split up then you could be up shit creek with no paddle. You might almost have thrown the money in the bin.

Get yourself protected.

Thank you @CauliflowerBalti, that might well be useful.

Thank you to everyone who's posted. I'm going to put on my big girl pants and make sure my contribution is legally recognised.

If he’s the man you hope he is he’ll want the same thing.

Get proper legal advice - you need to have a legal claim in hse

HSBC allow you to both be on deeds and one person on mortgage.

We've got this with HSBC. Mortgage in husband's name only, house in both our names.

How has this come as a surprise to you?

Because I had no idea how the system works and was relying on our solicitor to explain the mysterious world of property law to me.

Because I had no idea how the system works and was relying on our solicitor to explain the mysterious world of property law to me.

& that's completely fine Charlotte.
What isn't fine is if you are being led up the garden path here ...

We went for porting the mortgage because it's easier. I don't think he was expecting today's email, because he told me straight away and always wants my suggestions about what to do next.

I'm not going to rely on his good nature, though - I'm going to get my name on those deeds!

Are you sure you're getting married OP. Have you actually booked anything or is it just something that you've talked about?

Get married , honestly you have four children together and you need to think of yourself and your children. Mumsnet has certainly opened my eyes to how women must safeguard themselves. I certainly wouldn’t go ahead with this if you name isn’t included.

I'm going to pay a bit towards the mortgage, too. (Nowhere near half, though!) So it's even more of a contribution than I said.

We've booked. It's next month.

Get a different solicitor. Perfectly possible to have both of you on the deeds and to add an extra person onto an existing mortgage. Don't leave yourself or your 4DCs vulnerable if things don't work out with DP.