Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Oregon

Re: Unmarried couple buying house

There is no "best" way, it depends on the couple's intentions regarding the ownership of the property.

I recommend that any unmarried couple purchasing property together get a written partnership agreement that specifically sets out the couple's intentions regarding the real estate. This agreement would determine such things as who pays the downpayment and closing costs, who will be on the mortgage, who (or what percentage) is contributed to the mortgage, what happens when one partner cannot pay, what happens if the couple breaks up, someone gets a transfer to Boston, etc.

It is always easier to be "fair" when everyone likes each other. Significant difficulties can arise when couples don't think these things out ahead of time, while they are friends.

Once those intentions are determined, the "best" way for them to hold title will be evident.