Jarrett ...there have been some interesting replies to your...

Jarrett ...there have been some interesting replies to your question mainly focused on investment strategies but Warnie and Kincella have nailed it about renting. My son is in this exact situation and we recently went into a joint venture with him to purchase an investment property. He actually purchased the house and lived there with contributions from housemates. We stayed as silent partners. This arrangement can work if you have cashed up parents willing to invest. BUT lets get back to the real issue...its all about relationships and no matter how you feel about your partner you should enter into any shared financial arrangement very carefully. Renting is a good way of doing so and by keeping up your share trading you are increasing your position to break into your own investment while testing your ability to live together (proving the relationship). But then consider the difference between investing and residing...this is where you have to make some hard decisions. Some other factors are the first home owners grant and tax offsets etc. All a bit complicated but as an investor already you would understand the need to focus on what you are trying to achieve i.e. a place to live and call home or a property investment