My ex and I have separated, he moved out of our jointly owned house 12 months ago, we have now started talking about what we are going to do moving forward. I suggested a deferred sale as we have two children, youngest is 8. I believe I have valid reasons for this, those mainly being that where I live is within walking distance of my youngest's school and on a bus route for my oldest's, I don't drive and rely on childcare from family nearby, the rental market is also dire with nothing suitable nearby. This suggestion didn't go down well with him. His suggestion was to buy me out and take my name off of the mortgage, but then I live here and rent from him. Financially, I will be better off with this option. The lump sum from buying me out would be very handy at this moment in time, and he has said he would agree to giving me complete freedom over the house and would not come and go as he pleases, like he does now. His reasons for this suggestion are that the rent I pay him will help him pay the mortgage and give him a bit extra to rent a place until he sells, he has agreed to a minimum 5 year tenancy and to me not paying what I would if I privately rented elsewhere. I am not able to afford to buy him out or buy on my own if we sell, so losing ownership of the house will happen for me either way. I will of course seek legal advice on this, but I wanted to know if anyone has actually done this and whether it has worked. It does feel a little unsettling despite looking beneficial on paper.