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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Virginia Wallis

If I’m separating from my partner do I count as a first-time buyer?

for sale signs
It may not be financially wise for members of a separating couple rush into buying a property. Photograph: Rebekah Downes/PA

Q I am currently married and live with my wife and kids in a house that my wife owns. I pay her a share of our total living expenses. We are now separating and I’m planning to move out into a house which will cost me £260,000 to buy. My questions are:

  • can I buy the property as a “first-time buyer” as I’ve never owned a property by myself or with anybody else before?

  • will I have to pay the 3% stamp duty on the house I intend to purchase?

  • we plan on getting separated permanently and for the purposes of the house buying, do I need to do the separation through court? Does the “separation agreement” you find online good for anything?
    CP

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