More Couples Bought Homes
New data shows the number of couples buying homes increased last year.According to mortgage broker John Charcol, 50 percent of first-time purchases were made by couples last year, compared to 45 percent in 2006.
The number of women purchasing homes on their own remained relatively static, but the number of men buying solo dropped, says Katie Tucker, technical manager Charcol.co.uk, the firm’s web site.
Ms. Tucker sees a number of advantages in purchasing as a couple. It is possible to share the cost of the mortgage and other household bills, and snuggling might just help to reduce heating bills.
She does not recommend that couples jump into home ownership, however. Rent first to make sure the decision to pair up is a good one.
More Britons are expected to seek secured loans in the first quarter of 2008, according to the Bank of England.