Assumption: "I've put money or work into my partner's house, so I'm automatically entitled to a share of it."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
A partner who puts money, labour, or renovation work into a home owned solely by the other person often assumes this creates an automatic right to a share of it.
Court Reality
Where a property is owned in one person's sole name, contributing money or work doesn't create a share on its own. You need to show either a financial contribution to the purchase or mortgage, or an agreement or understanding that you'd have a share, combined with acting to your detriment in reliance on it. Renovation work or general household spending, without more, has been found not to be enough.
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The Gap?
"I've put money or work into my partner's house, so I'm automatically entitled to a share of it."
Court Reality
Where a property is owned in one person's sole name, contributing money or work doesn't create a share on its own. You need to show either a financial contribution to the purchase or mortgage, or an agreement or understanding that you'd have a share, combined with acting to your detriment in reliance on it. Renovation work or general household spending, without more, has been found not to be enough.
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