we’re beginning to think about a further option of extending my partner’s home to accommodate my family, with both of us retaining full ownership of each of our homes separately. He would build the extension himself at a cost of around $150,000 and increase the value of his home by as much as $200,000.

My partner explained that it was only…[Read more]

Thank you. I appreciate your outlook as it’s always helpful to have a range of opinions when making such a major decision.

I’m wondering what could be considered a fair percentage share of the jointly owned property that both homes would be used as security to borrow against. Once the house is built, the property could be valued in the vicinity…[Read more]

You're right that there needs to be some serious savings behind us to cover the possibility of him not being able to work for several weeks or months at a time.

I appreciate the helpful comments. Can anyone recommend where I could find good financial advice? This is something my partner was also encouraging me to do.

On the subject of real estate investment, does anyone have any thoughts on what the best options might be at the moment? Is it a good time to invest for the long term if you can afford…[Read more]

I don't mind you saying that all, bespoke.  I appreciate being as well informed as I can be and you've given some very good advice.

Thanks for that, Foundation.  My partner was us to see a solicitor together to find out what is possible first and for me to seek independent legal advice afterwards.  The reason I'm here is that he wants me to ask all these questions independently, so I'm not giving him strange looks all the time We'll need to raise that point with the s…[Read more]

Thanks, Richard.Here is a rough outline of our situation and known options.  Please let me know if it is too much information or unclear and I'll edit it straight away.I currently have a mortgage of $238,000, equity in my home of around $200,000 and other debts of $15,000. I'm told this is very modest. My bank is willing to personally loan me up…[Read more]