They can't afford to sell with fees, interest on coming out the mortage etc early. They can't afford to buy each other out. Cost of running the house is a 2 salary house for them.
My friend has asked the position re the following:
One of them moved out of the property into a rental while the other remained in the marital home. The one renting would have the marital home as an investment for a few years but would contribute a few hundred pounds a month, thereby reducing the mortgage and bringing down the penalties for coming out of the mortgage early.
The one to remain in the marital home would then be responsible for the upkeep of the property, all bills etc. There are no children involved.
Obviously legal advice/contracts will be set up but before my friend sees a lawyer we thought we'd ask here first.