Are we ready to move in together?
Key facts
| Main question | Do you both want this, or are you drifting into it? |
|---|---|
| Talk about | Money, time together and apart, and the future |
| Common law marriage | Does not exist in England and Wales |
| Worth doing | A written living together agreement |
Moving in together is one of the biggest steps a couple takes. It goes better when it is a decision you make together rather than something that just happens.
Decide, don't drift
Relate warns that moving in without talking through plans can leave couples staying together out of habit. It advises moving forward only when you are both happy to.
Source: Relate, checked 8 November 2026
Talk about money early
Compare how you each feel about saving and spending, and whether you want a joint account. Relate lists money as one of the first things to discuss before the next step.
Source: Relate, checked 8 November 2026
Know your rights as an unmarried couple
The charity Advicenow explains that there is no common law marriage in England and Wales. If the home or tenancy is in one name, the other partner may have no right to stay after a split, so a written living together agreement and a will are worth considering.
Source: Advicenow, checked 8 November 2026
Questions
How long should we date before moving in?
There is no right length of time. A better test is whether you have talked openly about money, space and the future, and whether you both want it.
Do we get rights after living together for a few years?
Not in England and Wales. Living together for any length of time does not give you the rights of a married couple or civil partners, so take advice and put agreements in writing.
Should we move in to save money?
Saving money is a bonus, not a reason. Move in because you both want a shared home, not because rent is high.