Would you move in with your partner just to save costs?

Moving in with a loved one is major decision. Spending more time with your partner in a home of your own is an exciting prospect, but this has to be weighed up against what they’re actually like as a living companion.

Related topics:  Finance
Warren Lewis
11th January 2019
FTB 112

While many people take the plunge after taking a significant amount of time to get to know each other, sometimes other factors such as money can influence the arrangement.

As the cost of living increases, it’s no secret that rent magically becomes cheaper if it’s split between two people. So, to find out if finances are a factor on British couples moving in with each other sooner than they might have otherwise, supplier of candle-making ingredients, Supplies For Candles surveyed 2,100 of them.

Interestingly, the study found that overall, nearly a third – 30% - of co-habiting couples moved in sooner than they had intended to, for financial reasons. When you break it down across the UK, it seems that North Westerners are the most eager to save on living costs, as 41% of cohabiting couples admit to moving in with their partner earlier than they would like to save on living expenses. The couples least likely to cohabit for love rather than financial reasons are in Wales. Whether it’s because Welsh couples are more mindful of the risk of relationship break-ups, or the significantly lower rent prices there, only 16% of them move in with their partner early to save money.

Supplies For Candles also probed couples to find out how soon they would move in with their partners. Those in Yorkshire and the Humber were quickest to move in with their significant others, waiting just 12.1 months, whilst those in Scotland were the most cautious, waiting 15.2 months before sharing the cost of living.

The survey also found that 54% of Brits believe that rent and bills should be split down the middle, 50-50. However, this can cause friction if, or when, one partner earns considerably more – or less – than the other.

When asked what is the biggest source of friction for newly cohabiting couples, the results were as follows: Needing your own space came top of the list; with 33% of them saying it was an issue. This was followed by money (25%), eating habits (16.7%) – it’s hard to keep loving someone who chews noisily or eats with their mouth open, for example, sleeping habits (167%) – snoring must be a pretty big one, and finally cleanliness (8.3%).

Often when moving in with a partner, you may see your friends less, as nearly half of cohabiting couples admit (42%). However, it is important not to neglect friendships – after all, who are you going to moan about your messy partner to? Setting aside time to see friends is just as healthy after you moved in together as it was before, if not more so.

And it’s equally as important to make quality time for your partner, and go on date nights. It’s easy to take someone for granted if they’re there all the time, but over half (53%) of couples admit they’re not happy with the amount of date nights they get with their significant other since moving in together. That aside, 82% of Brits say cohabiting actually strengthens the relationship.

Nicky Story from Supplies For Candles said: "Whilst it can be challenging living with a new partner for the first time, it’s clear that these trials and tribulations strengthen the relationship. Just remember to keep the romance alive. A candlelit bath or romantic dinner are a perfect little surprise or date night to keep that flame burning!"

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