Cohabitation Agreements - Key Trends

Summary

Cohabitation is the fastest-growing family structure in the UK, yet the legal protections available to unmarried couples remain limited. Despite this, public understanding of cohabitees’ rights is inconsistent. Many still believe that living together creates a form of “common-law marriage,” when in reality no such legal status exists. A 2025 Co-op Legal Services survey found that despite low overall usage of cohabitation agreements, demand is growing fast. The Co-op reported a 200% increase in cohabitation agreement sales over five years, showing rising awareness among couples who want clarity and protection. * Parents insisting on protection when helping with house deposits. * Increasingly complex partnerships involving blended families and intergenerational wealth. * A desire for certainty without marrying. While needs vary, certain circumstances strongly suggest a formal agreement is appropriate. * Buying or moving into a property together - a Cohabitation Agreement can be prepared alongside a Declaration of Trust to confirm the intention with regards to ownership shares, for example, where there has been unequal deposit contributions or family members have assisted one partly.

Key information

• Parents insisting on protection when helping with house deposits.
• Increasingly complex partnerships involving blended families and intergenerational wealth.
• A desire for certainty without marrying.
• Buying or moving into a property together - a Cohabitation Agreement can be prepared alongside a Declaration of Trust to confirm the intention with regards to ownership shares, for example, where there has been unequal deposit contributions or family members have assisted one partly financially. Agreements can clarify whether the property is to be owned in equal or unequal shares, confirm responsibility for mortgage repayments and what should happen to the property if the relationship ends.
• Differences in financial position - Where one partner earns less or takes on more non-financial responsibilities, an agreement supports fair expectations.
• Protecting assets or family money - Agreements can confirm what should be viewed as seperate property and thus protect assets, such as savings, inheritance and business interests.
• Where children are involved or planned - Although child arrangements sit outside the agreement, financial stability and housing expectations can be supported within it.
• For couples wanting certainty without marrying - These agreements offer protection without changing legal status.
• a joint mortgage or tenancy creates shared liability.
• bills are in one partner’s name.
• one partner contributes to the other’s debt repayments.
• or borrowing affects the couple’s ability to buy or rent.

Practical guidance

• Source: Cohabitation Agreements - Key Trends

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• Divorce Financial Settlements: Your Guide To A Fair Settlement
• Home ownership and living together
• Inheritance claim if you are left out of a will
• Registering a civil partnership
• Should The Law on Cohabitation Be Reformed?