<prompt> Human: Interesting as there are a few threads floating around here and other subs about whether to buy before or after marriage, during engagement etc, and Im curious as to what has worked for everyone on PF so far.  <response>: Like ethidda, I was in a long term relationship that was headed to marriage. I paid the downpayment but we picked out the house together, something I could afford on my own if things went south. We got engaged during closing and merged finances shortly after but the house is still in my name. Just easier that way and he doesnt care. Interestingly, my friend bought a house with her boyfriend a couple years ago. Neither wants to marry and there is a huge wage disparity between the two. They got a lawyer to draw up papers about what would happen to the house should they break up. I didnt really want to go through all that and felt more comfortable with the house in my name but their way seems like the smartest way to go. 