Living Together Planning Session

Amira and Josh, First home together | Renting

Amira (29), a marketing executive and Josh (31), a secondary school teacher, were moving into a rented flat together for the first time. Their relationship was still quite new and although they were excited, they were also aware that neither of them had lived with a partner before. They wanted to make sure they were on the same page about a few key things before making this step.

They used a Living Together Planning Session to talk through expectations before moving in. With gentle structure and guided questions, they agreed how to split their £1,450 monthly rent and household bills, manage groceries and share chores. They also discussed personal space, alone time and how to raise concerns early if something started to feel unfair.

The session helped them feel more confident about taking this next step. They moved in with a clearer understanding of each other’s needs and a shared plan for handling day-to-day life together.

Rachel and Tom, Blending households | Both divorced | Different social and living expectations

Rachel (43), a freelance graphic designer, owned a home with approximately £180,000 in equity. Tom (47), an operations manager, was moving in with her. Both previously divorced, they wanted to be more intentional this time and avoid common pitfalls.

They had already decided how they would split bills, but wanted to cover more details about combining their preferences. In their session, they talked through what each of them would bring into the home and how to manage their personal spending. They also had different expectations around how often to keep things tidy at home, which was something Tom felt very strongly about. Another key focus we covered in the session was maintaining Rachel’s financial independence while building a shared life together and being able to host friends for dinner often.

The conversation helped them feel aligned and more excited about moving in together after being in a session that helped both of them communicate their preferences for socialising and home maintenance.

Liam and Sofia, Buying first home | Unequal deposits

Liam (35), an IT consultant and Sofia (32), a physiotherapist, were preparing to buy their first property together for £420,000. Sofia was contributing a large deposit thanks to financial support from her family, while Liam was contributing a smaller amount from his savings. Although they were both excited to move in together, they wanted to be practical about what this meant for how they would split costs when they were settled.

During their session, they explored how to approach their £1,650 monthly mortgage payments and ongoing household costs in a way that felt fair to both of them. They also talked about how they would handle future changes, such as income differences or one of them needing to reduce work hours if they decided to have a family.

By the end of the session, they had a clearer shared understanding and felt better prepared to seek advice from a conveyancer to formally structure the ownership of their home with a deed of trust.

Nina and Elijah, Buying together | Planning for uncertainty | Active lifestyles

Nina (36), an NHS doctor and Elijah (35), a civil engineer, were moving into a home they had bought together for £510,000 with a joint deposit of £85,000. Their relationship was in a good place, but they wanted to have an open, calm conversation about 'what if' scenarios before settling in. Both of them enjoyed the outdoors and travel.

During the session, they discussed what would happen if one of them needed to relocate for work, how to manage different expectations around spending time together and how they would manage their £1,900 monthly mortgage during big life changes. Nina also wanted to explore what a fair approach might look like if they eventually separated.

The conversation gave them both a sense of security. Knowing they could talk through difficult possibilities helped them feel more confident and less trapped by the practical side of commitment.

Ben and Kai, Moving in together | High earner | Different spending attitudes

Ben (47), a business owner and Kai (38), a charity project coordinator were excited to move in together but conscious of their income gap. They were renting a home in London for £3,500 per month and wanted to avoid resentment or pressure building over time.

With structured support, they agreed on a proportion-based system for splitting rent and bills and discussed their attitudes towards spending, saving and lifestyle choices. They also talked through how they would approach bigger financial decisions, such as holidays or future property plans.

The session gave them both reassurance. Ben felt reassured that they'd found an approach that worked for both of them and Kai felt confident the arrangement would be fair and sustainable.

Caroline and David, New relationship | Both partners own property | Balancing two lives

Caroline (46), a senior HR manager, had owned her home for over a decade and had around £260,000 in equity. She had just started on a large home renovation project. David (48), a self-employed landscape designer had completed on a flat after renting for five years following his divorce and had £50,000 in equity. When they decided to move in together, they were both excited - but very aware they each had very separate lives.

Having both experienced long-term relationships before, they wanted to avoid assumptions. In their session, they talked through how David would contribute towards Caroline’s £1,100 monthly mortgage and household bills, how to manage renting out David’s flat and agree an arrangement for home improvements.

They also discussed what would feel fair if their circumstances changed in future, including illness, career shifts or a possible separation. The structured conversation helped them feel secure and look forward to combining their lives.