Separating and keeping the home usually means solving two jobs at once: agreeing on the property settlement and proving the remaining borrower can refinance the loan in their own name.
Plan the next move
A property settlement can be emotional. A clear refinance plan helps you understand the valuation, payout figure, borrowing capacity and loan structure before committing to the next step.
The simple version
A partner buyout usually means one person keeps the property, refinances the mortgage into their own name and pays the other person an agreed amount for their share of equity.
That can sound simple, but lenders assess it like a real refinance. They look at income, expenses, other debts, credit conduct, the property value and the total loan needed after the payout, fees and any settlement costs.
Payout formula
The starting point is usually the property's current value minus the debt and agreed costs. The remaining equity is then divided according to the settlement agreement.
This is not a legal entitlement calculator. Contributions, future needs, parenting arrangements, superannuation, other debts and negotiated settlement terms can all change the final number.
Estimate
Use this as a planning guide only. Your solicitor, conveyancer, lender and broker will need to confirm the figures before anything is relied on.
Enter the property value, loan payout, estimated costs and the outgoing partner's agreed share.
Process
The smoothest pathway is usually legal advice and lending advice moving together, so the agreement matches what the lender can actually approve.
Speak with a family lawyer about consent orders, a binding financial agreement or the right structure for your situation.
Before signing final terms, test whether the remaining borrower can service the refinanced loan and partner payout.
The lender may use its own valuation, which can differ from an agent appraisal or the figure used in negotiations.
The new loan may need to pay out the old mortgage, pay the outgoing partner and cover approved fees or costs.
Your solicitor or conveyancer handles the title transfer, discharge and settlement documents with the lender.
After settlement, review offset, redraw, fixed or variable splits and repayment buffers for your new single-income position.
Important traps
Broker support
We can help compare lender options, check borrowing capacity, model the payout loan, explain the refinance process and work alongside your solicitor or conveyancer once the legal pathway is clear.
We cannot provide family-law, tax or transfer-duty advice. For those parts, speak with a qualified solicitor, accountant or state revenue office.
Official resources
Rules and forms can change. These sources are included so borrowers can check the current official guidance.
Financial checklist for divorce and separation.
Open MoneysmartProperty and financial arrangements overview.
Open Court guideTransfer duty exemptions and Queensland duty guidance.
Open QRO guideReady when you are
Book a call and we will help you map the refinance numbers, likely lender questions and next steps to discuss with your legal adviser.
