To consider buying a flat on my own but dp live there?

[Mepwh]

I earn a lot more than my partner. I could just about afford a one bed in a decent area on my own (london). Currently live with my partner in a rented flat, but for various reasons, not 100% I want to commit to buying somewhere together.

Would I be mad to buy a flat in my name only and have it clear in legal writing that he has no interested in the property blah blah. Maybe he could pay me rent as a lodger but no more.

That way, I have a home no matter what happens.

I reckon this is a really sensible idea however you can't charge him rent or he'll end up with a beneficial interest in the home. You can charge half of the bills. He'll have to sign to say he has no interest in the property for mortgage purposes so assuming he's happy with this it's fine. He can always buy into the property in the future if the relationship progresses or you move somewhere new together

If I had a one-bed flat, I'm not sure I'd want anyone living there with me!

I think you're very wise to buy on your own. Could you suggest you each buy somewhere separately and then join together in the future if you feel stronger about him?

He can't claim a beneficial interest in the flat though, can he, if he doesn't pay for any maintenance or repairs?

I reckon this is a really sensible idea however you can't charge him rent or he'll end up with a beneficial interest in the home.

Are you sure about that?

If you live in England and are worried about him having a beneficial interest in your home, read this for reassurance:

Occupation rights if one partner is the sole owner - Shelter England

I'm not certain that he will gain a beneficial interest. As the link shows it's pretty complex. But if he's paying half a mortgage for example it's a possiblity. Of course the law could have massively changed since I was last advised