A fresh CoBuy 2025 report says 18 % of U.S. first‑time buyers now plan to purchase with someone who isn’t a spouse—double the share in 2019. Rising prices and higher rates are pushing friends, siblings and unmarried partners to pool down‑payments, but the legal fine print still trips many up.
What’s new this year
- Lender flexibility: Several credit‑unions and fintech lenders rolled out “co‑buy” products that accept up to four applicants and blend credit scores instead of taking the lowest.
- Fannie Mae’s April Selling‑Guide update clarified how to calculate mortgage‑insurance LTVs on New York co‑ops—reducing surprises at closing for shared buyers.
- Online co‑ownership OS: Platforms like CoBuy and Pacaso now auto‑generate tenancy‑in‑common or joint‑tenancy agreements in <1 hour, cutting $10 k+ in attorney fees.
Checklist before you co‑buy
| Must‑have clause | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exit / buy‑out formula | Sets fair price if one owner wants out early. |
| Expense escrow or shared app | Tracks repairs, taxes, insurance to prevent disputes. |
| Dispute‑resolution path | Mediation > court saves money and relationships. |
Better Homes & Gardens notes the four biggest pain points are unequal equity, unclear maintenance duties, breakup risk and credit entanglement.
Bottom line: Co‑buying can be a smart affordability hack in 2025, but only if the loan structure and legal agreement are nailed down before you start house‑hunting.
