Blood is thicker than water… but what happens when the mortgage is due?
Co-buying with family is one of the fastest-growing homeownership trends in America. As housing costs climb higher, families are joining forces by partnering with siblings, cousins, and parents to turn the dream of owning a home into reality.
But while buying a home with family can be a beautiful way to build generational wealth, it also comes with emotional landmines, especially if you’re not prepared.
The Trend: More Families Are Teaming Up
Multi-generational co-buying is surging: In 2024, 17% of all homebuyers purchased homes with relatives, the highest rate ever recorded by the National Association of Realtors. Rising rent costs, limited inventory, and remote work flexibility have all contributed to this shift.
And the benefits are real:
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Lower costs: Shared down payments and bills.
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Built-in community: Childcare and elder care become easier.
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Faster path to ownership: Particularly in high-cost cities.
The Risk: When Relationships Get Complicated
Buying a home with family or friends can be a smart move, but without clear agreements, it can quickly become a legal and emotional mess. Even close relationships can strain under the pressure of shared finances, differing lifestyles, and unclear responsibilities.
Common issues include:
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Unequal financial contributions leading to power struggles
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Clashing habits – one person’s “lived-in” is another’s “mess”
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Miscommunication around maintenance, renovations, or when to sell
Putting everything in writing isn’t just smart, it protects both the investment and the relationship.
The Solution: Plan Like a Business, Love Like Family
At Pairgap, we make co-buying work by treating the partnership like both a relationship and a business. Here’s what we offer to keep things smooth and drama-free:
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Individual Profiles: Each co-buyer has their own private space to express goals, concerns, and boundaries
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Compatibility Assessments: Spot red flags early and align expectations before committing
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Legal Planning Tools: Our customizable “Real Estate Prenup” builder helps define roles, responsibilities, and exit plans before conflicts arise
