It is very important that you establish exactly who the owners of the property are going to be before you sign the Contract. Most people buying their principal place of residence will usually buy the property in their joint names. You may need to reconsider this if one of you has a high risk occupation (e.g. lawyer, doctor, accountant or other professional) or one of you is the sole director of a company which operates a business. Sometimes it is better for asset protection purposes that the spouse or partner who is not engaged in any trade or profession that could put them at risk of being sued is the preferred owner of the property.