More and more couples in Luxembourg are buying property together without being married or in a registered partnership. While possible, this approach requires serious legal and financial planning. Here's what you need to know.
No automatic protection without legal status
If you are not married or in a civil partnership, Luxembourg law does not automatically protect your rights. Each buyer is treated independently, and there are no legal obligations between the co-owners.
Co-ownership: how to split the purchase
You will be co-owners (indivision), which means you both legally own the property. You can purchase:
- 50/50 – even if one party contributed more.
- Unequal shares (e.g. 60/40, 70/30) – based on your personal contributions.
➡️ Note: The shares must be clearly stated in the notarial deed.
Loan repayments: be clear from the beginning
To avoid conflict if the relationship ends, make things official:
- Open a joint account to manage repayments fairly.
- Sign a cohabitation agreement with a notary to outline financial contributions and exit clauses.
What happens in case of separation or death?
- Separation: you must both agree to sell or buy out the other. One cannot force a sale alone.
- Death: the surviving partner has no legal inheritance rights unless otherwise specified in a will.
Legal alternatives: PACS or real estate company
- A civil partnership (PACS) offers greater legal protection than cohabitation.
- A real estate company (SCI) can clarify each party’s ownership and facilitate inheritance or resale.
Conclusion
Buying together without being married is possible, but not without risks. Legal and financial safeguards are essential. Consult your notary and mortgage broker to make sure your project is protected from every angle.
