29 May 2026 · Interactive tool
A declaration of trust is not always essential, but for many people buying a home with someone else it is one of the smartest few hundred pounds they spend. Answer these five quick questions for a tailored steer on whether it is worth it for you.
Question 1 of 5
Do you own (or are you buying) a home with someone you are not married to or in a civil partnership with?
Why these questions matter
Each question points at a situation where ownership can get messy without something in writing:
- Not married? You have no automatic right to each other's property, so what you agree in writing is what counts.
- Unequal contributions? Without a record, the law may treat you as equal owners even if you put in very different amounts.
- Family money? A gifted deposit usually needs ring-fencing so it is credited to the right person.
- Only one of you on the title? The other has no automatic claim at all, so a declaration of trust is the main way to protect them.
- Want to control who inherits your share? That means holding as tenants in common and recording your shares.
If the test points towards getting one, the next steps are simple: read what a declaration of trust is and then how to get one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a declaration of trust a legal requirement?+
No. It is optional, but it is strongly recommended where you co-own with someone you are not married to, contribute unequally, or family money is involved.
Do we both need one if we own together?+
There is one declaration of trust for the property, signed by all the owners. It records everyone's shares in a single document.
We are married - do we still need one?+
It is less urgent, because marriage brings legal protections, but it can still be worth it if your contributions are very unequal or you want to ring-fence specific money.
This tool gives general guidance, not legal advice. For your own situation, speak to a qualified solicitor.
TrustBadger keeps a timestamped, solicitor-ready record of every contribution you and your co-owner make to your shared home. 14-day free trial, no card needed. Start your trial.
