What happens to the house in a divorce?

There is no automatic outcome regarding the family home in a divorce or dissolution. In the past there were the following 2 usual outcomes:

Either one party would buy the other out, and the property is transferred into one party’s sole name.

Or, the family home would be sold, and the net equity would be divided.

The economic situation in the United Kingdom is now making these outcomes more difficult to achieve. Alternative options for dealing with the family home now include:

Postponing the sale until a specific date or event, such as when the youngest child turns 18. Both parties continuing to own and cohabit in the family home following the divorce, and selling it later.

If the property is mortgage free, it may be possible to rent out the family home and receive rental income sufficient to fund two smaller properties.