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Selling the Jointly Owned Home

By: Chris Nickson - Updated: 26 Aug 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
Separation Divorce Property Deed

When you divorce or separate, one of the hardest decisions to make is what to do with your home. It’s your biggest asset, especially as house prices continue to rise, but it also has a history for you both, and may represent and ideal place to continue living for one of you. So what are your options?

The Basics

You should always seek qualified legal advice on these matters, but in a nutshell, of you’re married, in a civil partnership or living together and own the home jointly, your partner cannot sell it without your permission.

Even if your partner is the sole owner, if you’re married or in a civil partnership, your partner still can’t sell the home without your permission (this does not apply if you’re simply living together).

In other words, you do at least have a safety net – in most instances you can’t be simply thrown out on the street. However, be aware that if you’re just living together with your partner as the sole owner, and you have no agreement in writing to show you have a financial interest in the property, then you have very little legal status, and even in court you’re unlikely to see any proceeds from a sale.

Staying In The House

It’s not uncommon in a divorce for one partner to buy out the other and stay in the family home. Make sure there’s an independent valuation on the property to ensure a fair price is set. Of course, much of this is dependent on you or your partner being able to obtain a mortgage for the appropriate amount.

If Your Partner Refuses Permission

If you want to sell and your partner doesn’t (or vice versa), one person can begin an action of division and sale in court. However, the other party can petition the court to a division of the proceeds, or to buy the place at a market price or one decided by the court.

In the case of one person being the owner of the property and the other withholding permission to sell, then the courts can allow the sale under certain circumstances. In essence, these are if one party is unable to sign for medical reasons, if one party has vanished and can’t be found, or if the court believes that permission in being unreasonably withheld.

It can also attach conditions to the sale, such as setting a date by which any sale has to be completed, or a minimum selling price.

How Much Can You Expect?

Obviously, it’s impossible to put a figure on how much you’ll receive. But a sale doesn’t mean you’ll split the proceeds 50-50. It all depends on what you agreed when you bought the place, whether one or other of you has put a lot into the property, how the deed reads, and if you can come to an agreement, either between yourselves or through solicitors, when you break up.

If you can’t come to an agreement, the court will decide for you, taking several factors into account. If you’re married, then it will depend on who paid part of the deposit, whether one or other of you has really been making the mortgage payments, who will be looking after any children, the income of each partner, and what other resources either of you might possess.

The court can also decide, if one of you is raising children from the marriage, that that person can remain in the property with the children until they’re of age, or even without children, that one person can remain in the property and pay rent to the other party.

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I am 75 husband 78 married 25 years marriage been dead for last 10 years now is Toxic I want out no mortgage joint owners. He won’t discuss it. I need to get my equity out. No need for divorce just want a separation and get my own place. He is a Hoarder which has contributed to this failure. Neither of us can afford to buy the other out. Desperate??
Elma - 26-Aug-21 @ 1:07 PM
Got back in a relationship with the father of my first child. In this relationship getting back together we went in thinking it was going to be forever or at least I did. We bought a home together he had the down payment and I had the job and the income proof that they needed to get the home. After signing the piece of paper things went to the extreme opposite. Where he was telling me what I had to do and everything was his. Off of bringing up what a wife's duties are. However I paid half of all the bills from the beginning. Now he and I are separating and he is giving me 30 days to move out of my own home. Remind you he has money that he does not claim for taxes and I am on a very tight budget. And have no lawyer. By my understanding when you go into agreement on the house 50/50 everything should be 50/50 dividing it. I had everything before I got back into this relationship him and now I will be put on the streets if this is not equally divided. Is there anyone who could help me. There's also a custody of our granddaughter at stakes here. He is using her as a pawn and I do not feel this is acceptable! I've even have domestic violence problems with him and nobody seems to listen please help or where do I go from here
KooBear - 21-Aug-21 @ 9:48 PM
I am 72 years old and recently left my husbandwe have no mortgage. I pay All the bills and buy all the food his mobile phone etc. He pays for nothing apart from house insurance and his car. I want to sell our bungalow so we can move on. But he doesn't what can I do. please help
Annie - 15-Aug-21 @ 10:47 AM
Afternoon. My ex partner bought a stand through bank and lost the job before he can start building I started to build and later we separate before the house was finished. I finished to build and stay with the kids for 5months and he came back demanding to stay with us. He said if I don't want him to stay I must go. I moved out with the kids and agreed to sell the house. We now have the buyer but he does not want to sign the papers. Please help me he is still not working and I am taking care of the kids. What must I do before we loose the buyer
Dake - 13-May-21 @ 2:34 PM
I want to sell the property but my husband doesnt.We are both retired there is o morgage on the property but we moved in with my mother and the sale of her property went to ward the house we are living in.Hoew do i go about selling the proiperty when he does not want to.Would i be entited to more money as my mother was living here at one time.
Jan - 24-Apr-21 @ 2:31 PM
I divorced my ex husband over 2 years ago, but we still live together in the house purchased while we were married. He doesn't want to sell the house, because he doesn't have enough money or a strong enough income to purchase another property and his industry has been hard hit by the lockdown. I want to sell so I can move on. What can I do? How long does a "order for sale" take? Thank you for your help
Clauds - 9-Mar-21 @ 11:23 PM
Hi, me and my ex bought a house together We put down the same amount of deposit but I have been making all the mortgage payments and invested a lot more in renewing the flat. Now we are selling the place and she things that regardless of how much she put in we will get 50:50 once the flat it’s sold Is that correct or should I be getting a bigger share given the fact I invested more? Many thanks
Wlfred - 16-Jan-21 @ 10:26 AM
Hey me and a (guy)friend has a joint bond and living together became a nightmare as his not working anymore I'm 27 and his 57 he doesn't allow me to have anyone over or he starts throwing doors and starts verbally abusing me infront of my friends I am paying the bond we're he forced or tricked me into buying property with him at the age of 23 I have grown now and have a much better job and would like to knowhow do I get out as he doesn't not want to sign to sell the house so I can be on my own and start my life he doesn't have the funds to buy me out nor do I but he also doesn't Wana sign to sell
Tweety - 28-Dec-20 @ 12:31 PM
Hello, My husband left me at the start of lockdown and we have an 8 month old son. He moved out of the home we both own soon after and has rented somewhere else. Things have started to get very sour from my husband and we have agreed to sell the property. He makes a substantial more than me and I have our son the majority of the time. I would say he has him approx 30 hours a week. What are my rights for when we sell. He put in a small amount more towards the deposit. Would we then split it 50/50 when we sell or does he get more as he out in more?
Kellyjayne - 30-Nov-20 @ 3:09 PM
Hi Me and my partner separated 18 years ago now and myself and my 2 kids lived in the house. We were never married but the house is in both our names. Be only paid the mortgage for the first year he lived in the house and never helped once he moved out. He never gave child maintence while the kids were growing up either. I would like to get him off the morage but I don’t believe he deserves me to give him 50% to buy him out but legally his name is on the deeds where do I stand
Withheld - 19-Nov-20 @ 12:43 PM
Me and wife separated, we do have house under our both name we have two children one 16 and one 13. They do live with her at the moment but they will be living with me 4 days a week soon and I would like to sell the house and take my share where do I stand and I will I come cross and issues ?
Ramos - 29-Oct-20 @ 6:51 AM
My ex partner had me arrested to get me out of our home and lied to police. Since I haven’t been back to the home however I have sent her several correspondence from my solicitor. She has said she wants to buy me out but after 3 months still no further forward but has ignored all letters sent and is refusing to return my property still in the house. My fear is she cannot afford to buy me out abs thinks ignoring the situation means she stays in the house with nothing to pay. Where do I stand? If she is unwilling to meet my fair demands for buy out, I would like her also removed and the property sold on our behalf.
Ash - 21-Oct-20 @ 5:38 AM
My ex partner has been renting out our ex home together as we are both living with new partner's in different homes. I’m wanting to get my name off mortgage and he’s willing to sell but he wants written declaration that I don’t want any part of the sale and wether loss or profit... I’m happy to do so but is this legal/possible or is he trying to swindle me. I know there’s not much profit if any to ge hadbut was wondering what this would mean if it sells as a loss? Thank you
Harbo - 7-Oct-20 @ 8:22 PM
Good evening.My fiance was married in community of property. The house is in joint names as per divorce settlement wife must transfer the house in her name however we have Been asking and pleading for over a year. She Just states she doesnt have money. What legal steps an we take. What is the process called. Can my husband go direct to the high court or should we get an attorney (which we dont have money for). Please confirm thank you
Marlene - 6-Oct-20 @ 6:06 PM
I have a morgage half buy half rent my ex partner is on the papers but he has been left 12 years and dont know where he is I want to sell the house can I do this without him as hes has been gone a long time
T.i.oakley - 6-Oct-20 @ 12:27 PM
My mother passed away 8years ago leaving her boyfriend in the house.She met him in2004 and he moved in.He was not placed on the mortgage until 09. My brother and I now own my mother's interest in the property.Since her death, we have fallen out with the boyfriend. We do not speak and my brother and I hold no emotional attachment to the house. As we have no relationship with said man, are we able to sell our mother's interest as she left it to us? He is currently living in the house and has had a few new relationships move in and go.As stated, we Re not on friendly terms and just wish to move on without this hanging over us.
Darren - 29-Sep-20 @ 5:55 AM
I’m divorced but still in jointly owned marital home with my 2 children. I’m looking to sell and downsize, do I need my ex husbands permission or is there a form I can ask him to sign. This was a DV case & he was removed from the property by court order so not a man that is usually willing to negotiate or be reasonable. Appreciate any advice Thanks in advance
Jane - 13-Sep-20 @ 1:41 PM
Hi, I have yeo properties in joint name with my husnand . My husbandhad an affair two years ago and moved out. We rent one of our properties to his parents and I live in the other with my son. My husband has been paying the mortgage on both properties first the past two years instead of child maintenance. He is now refusing to continue to pay. I am left with no option but to sell both properties to start fresh, but he is refusing. Where do I legally stand.
Telli - 9-Sep-20 @ 9:03 PM
Hi, me and my husband have temporarily separated. I am wanting to sell the house as its not big enough for me and 3 kids. Also where I live its rowdy and full of tenants in the houses on my road and there's no private garden. We have lived here for over 10yrs and in that time He has walked out on me and the kids twice before. Hes never paid any maintenance in them times. I manage on my own even now. My family are worried when I sell and the solicitor is holding the money what if my husband decides to ask for his share in the sale. What rights does he have. Can he do this or would he need my permission. As he has agreed to selling it and said he would sign to sell. And we thought we would give things another go and move into the new house together. My family are just worried he might rip me off.. As he is good at that. This home was transferred as a gift to me and my husband by my dad. But it was me that paid for it. But there is no money showing on the transfer I dnt think. Im sure it was written down as a gift as my husband bullied my dad into gifting it including him. Please advise.
Mumof3 - 5-Sep-20 @ 10:24 PM
Hi, me and my husband have temporarily separated. I am wanting to sell the house as its not big enough for me and 3 kids. Also where I live its rowdy and full of tenants in the houses on my road and there's no private garden. We have lived here for over 10yrs and in that time He has walked out on me and the kids twice before. Hes never paid any maintenance in them times. I manage on my own even now. My family are worried when I sell and the solicitor is holding the money what if my husband decides to ask for his share in the sale. What rights does he have. Can he do this or would he need my permission. As he has agreed to selling it and said he would sign to sell. And we thought we would give things another go and move into the new house together. My family are just worried he might rip me off.. As he is good at that. This home was transferred as a gift to me and my husband by my dad. But it was me that paid for it. But there is no money showing on the transfer I dnt think. Im sure it was written down as a gift as my husband bullied my dad into gifting it including him. Please advise.
Mumof3 - 5-Sep-20 @ 10:17 PM
Hi there, I have bought a house 2 years ago together with my cohibit partner, unfortunately the relation seems to come ending now we don't have any children nor married. I want to sell the house but she doesn't it's complicated now what to do. Would there be any solution for that please advise. Kind regards
Jm - 2-Sep-20 @ 3:51 AM
I have a sister-in-law that has lived with her partner for 6 years, and after her mother died, her stepfather let her and her partner buy the homeplace for 25,000.00, in which her partner paid for that. She put her 25,000.00 in remolding the home, cause at first her stepfather was going to sell it them for 50,000.00, but since she was his stepdaughter, he let them have it for the 25,000.00. Now that they have lived in the house almost 3 years,he has been without a job the whole time. She has paid all taxes, home owners insurance, power Bill's, water, sewer, gas, garbage, and food. He has not contributed anything at all to the home or the Bill's. She has supported him. Now for the past year it has really been horrible for her to live him, but she is still there. He started about a year ago wanting to sell the property and them move to a foreign island. Which she told him no, she was wanting to retire and live in the house that was her Mother's. He has had no relationship with her in the past year and very rarely speaks to her. Now could you please advise me on how I might tell her what she should do? They live in the state of Fl. Thankyou, Kathy Hall
Kathy - 31-Aug-20 @ 7:56 PM
I have paid our joint mortgage solely for the last 8years with no contribution from my ex husband. I now have to sell the property. My ex is in agreement. Where do I stand when it's sold as to monies he receives from the sale.
Trudy Carney - 13-Aug-20 @ 5:12 PM
I have paid a joint mortgage solely for the last 8years with no contribution from my husband. I am now having to sell what is he entitled to from the sale of the property once sold. He has agreed to the sale.
Trudemyster - 13-Aug-20 @ 5:09 PM
I need to sell the house as he has moved out over a year and a half ago. I cannot transfer the mortgage into my sole name due to income. He refuses to answers emails,texts & letters requesting his permission for me to go ahead with sale of the house. Not sure what to do from here on, as upkeep of the house bills/mortgage is extremely high per month.
Tangy - 10-Aug-20 @ 12:16 PM
I have a question, my partner walked out on me and my disabled daughter 3 years ago. We have a joint mortgage and I've tried to re mortgage to buy him out but can't as I'm my daughters full time carer and can't work. Hes now in alot of debt but lives with his new family. Can he force me to sell. My daughter has 24hr care and we have had to make adaptions to the house, we alsohave a good support group where we live including one 2 one care at school. My ex has not paid a penny since he left and can prove this. I can comfortably manage all the bills on my own. Can he force me to sell and leave myself and my disabled daughter homeless all because he has got himself into debt?
em - 5-Aug-20 @ 11:26 PM
My partner and I recently bought our house outright. Due do from interference from our son who we kindly put up while he was down and out. He kindly paid his thanks by using oral and abuse threats toward me, which in turn meant me leaving the home for safety reasons or leaving them both to it so to speak. It appears that my partner of 30yrs prefers my sons company rather than mine. So I'm just wondering what I'm suppose to do now when it comes to my legal rights. I suffer from Alzeirmers and epilepsy and my speech and memory have been affected which doesnt help me keep my concentration flowing. I have moved 250 miles to get away from the home we thought was the one but now I am left with nothing, although according to what I've read, I am still entitled to 50% ... So.... Whats the first thing I should be doing to get the ball rolling on recouping a bit of the money I put into the house in the first place..I am 66 yrs of age with no home and no money. My sister of seventy has kindly taken me in with her love and support..... a confused idiot
sut - 22-Jul-20 @ 8:12 PM
My ex-partner of 29 years moved out almost 3 years ago.He has continued to pay half of the mortgage and life insurance, but has not contributed to the council tax or repairs in this time. I want to buy him out of the property as it has been on the market for over 2 years and not sold.We have had no interest or viewings in the past 6 months, it is overpriced in relation to two other houses in the same road. I would take on the remaining mortgage that has 4 years to run.I have a pension and work so am able to afford this.And have a lump sum to buy him out. What can I do to get this sorted.He no longer lives in the UK and has debts of around £15k attached to the credit file of the property which he is not paying. Thank you
D0705 - 22-Jul-20 @ 10:17 AM
Slips from ex 8 months ago , she wanted to buy me out but needed 6 months to prove she could afford the mortgage as set out by the mortgage company, she had to make all mortgage payments, but we had a verbal agreement she Would deduct this from the agreed buy out. I moved back in with my parents, we verbally agreed that after 6 months she would buy me out or I would buy her out if she couldn’t get a mortgage. We are 8 months down the line , delayed due to COVID. She has received a DIP, but now believes the value of the property has dropped so want to pay me a quarter of what she believes the equity to be. We are at stalemate. I have a buyer but she refuses to sell and will not buy me based on a 50/50 share. What are my options, I believe I cannot force a sale so is my only option instructing a solicitor. I will be moving back in as I cannot lodge with my parents any longer , I will resume paying half of the mortgage until this is settled, any advice appreciated
Big D - 16-Jul-20 @ 11:19 AM
After 27 years married and no mortgage, I want to divorce my husband. I am disabled and recieve PIP but have no other income. He works full time. I feel like I'm stuck in this relationship and house because I can't afford any other option. How difficult is it to sell the house and leave with 50/50? I doubt if he'd want to leave the property. But we can't go on like this.
Lizzie65uk - 14-Jul-20 @ 1:05 AM
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